Toy Insider Senior Editor/Toy Book Editor-in-Chief James Zahn joined Fox 5 in Las Vegas from the Mattel booth at Licensing Expo to discuss hot toys from Barbie: The Movie and other great items that kids will be asking for this summer vacation.For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the season, be sure to check out The Toy Insider’s Spring and Summer Gift Guide.
Zoom off to Barbie Land with the Hot Wheels RC Barbie Corvette! It’s just like the 1956 Corvette Stingray Barbie drives in Barbie The Movie!Place 2 Barbie dolls in the front seats while stowing their accessories in the trunk that opens and closes. (Dolls and accessories sold separately.)The full-function remote-control vehicle boasts movie-accurate details with…
The Giant Connect 4 Set is the classic gameplay that kids know and love only now in jumbo size for outdoor parties and for group gatherings. The Connect 4 game set is designed for both adults and kids, making it a versatile option for family fun in the backyard. This yard game set takes just…
Your super kid can help Peter Parker, Miles Morales, and Gwen Stacey save the day with these Spidey and His Amazing Friends walkie-talkies. Kids can pretend to battle the Sinister Six and communicate with one another from up to 500 feet.
This water game combines the classic Hungry Hungry Hippos game with outdoor fun. Players choose a hippo to feed and race to feed their hippo the fastest. The closer they get to their hippo, the more they’ll be sprayed. The first player to feed their hippo all three snacks wins.
In an age of superheroes, kids love iconic characters pulled from the pages of comic books. This summer, Varsity Tutors is hosting a free series of lessons in which kids can learn how to draw those characters for themselves!
Varsity Tutors is teaming up with DC Comics to host a series of lessons hosted by comic book artist Francis Manapul. The artist will teach kids how to draw The Flash, villains, superpowers, and other aspects of comic book storytelling. The lessons are designed for kids ages 8 and up.
“These classes not only share the fantastical world of DC Super Heroes, but the real-life, inspirational values that these characters embody,” Manapul says. “There’s more to these characters than meets the eye and I hope to bring this to light for kids while we have fun drawing this summer’s most notable Super Hero, The Flash.”
The series will teach kids how to draw The Flash in motion! | Source: Varsity Tutors
The live series starts on Monday, June 19 at 7 p.m. ET, with “DC Presents: Learn to Draw The Flash.” Kids can watch and follow along as Manapul shows how it’s done while giving tips on how to draw comic book characters. On July 12 at 6 p.m. ET, Manapul will host “DC Presents: Learn to Draw Action Scenes Featuring The Flash,” which will help kids put the drawings they made of The Flash in the previous event into an action-packed backdrop that helps show off the character’s powers.
Kids can create their own super villains on July 27 at 6 p.m. ET,during the “DC Presents: Create a Comic Book Villain Inspired by The Flash Universe” event. Finally, the series comes to a close on Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. ET, when Manapul will host “DC Presents: Develop Storytelling Powers Inspired by The Flash.” In this event, Manapul will take everything kids have learned over the summer and tie the lessons together to show kids how to create a fun story using comic books.
Adults can sign kids up for the series at varsitytutors.com. Whether kids are naturally artistically inclined or not, the DC drawing series from Varsity Tutors is a fun way for comic book fans to keep busy this summer!
Grogu and Din Djarin, the Mandalorian, continue to be smash hits with kids and older Star Wars fans alike. Hasbro is using the Force to bring kids two new Star Wars toys they can use to train with the Jedi and bring bounties to the Guild — and we have an exclusive first look for you!
Kids can help Ahsoka and Luke train Grogu using a training droid, lightsabers, and other accessories! | Source: Hasbro
Kids can help Ahsoka and Luke train Grogu using a training droid, lightsabers, and other accessories! | Source: Hasbro
Kids can help Luke Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano train Grogu to be a great Jedi with the Star Wars Mission Fleet Grogu’s Training Adventure playset, which is based on the characters’ appearances in The Book of Boba Fett on Disney+. Designed for kids ages 4 and up, the set comes with four action figures: Luke, Ahsoka, Grogu, and R2-D2. The set also features all the accessories Jedi need to train, including three lightsabers, a training droid, a spinning stand, a frog (so Grogu can have a little snack), and a backpack that kids can attach to Luke’s back for Grogu to ride around in! Star Wars Mission Fleet Grogu’s Training Adventure will be available for $22.99 at most major retailers.
The NERF Star Wars The Mandalorian Blaster means business. | Source: Hasbro
Kids can also join the Bounty Hunter’s Guild with Din Djarin using the NERF Star Wars The Mandalorian Blaster. This blaster is designed to fully embody the epic nature of the Mandalorian, featuring pictures of him in action in his silvery Beskar armor on the sides. Designed for kids ages 8 and up, this blaster is ready for action and can hold four single-shot darts at once. With 12 darts included in the set, kids will be ready for a blast-off with any droids or stormtroopers that come their way. The blaster also features a rail that kids can attach to other NERF accessories (not included) to upgrade NERF battles to the extreme! The NERF Star Wars The Mandalorian Blaster will be available for $19.99 at most major retailers.
These new toys based on kids’ favorite The Mandalorian characters are bound to inspire hours of imaginative play as kids train to be a Jedi and save the galaxy from the remnants of the Empire! Look for them in stores this summer.
Barbie Color Creations is a new app made to encourage creativity in every kid. Mattel teamed up with StoryToys to develop an experience that gives kids the opportunity to express themselves with digital coloring books, a customizable art studio, and more.
The game includes a variety of coloring books for kids to play with. | Source: StoryToys/Mattel
The game follows narrator Barbie “Brooklyn” Roberts and Malibu as they paint, sketch, and design their way through the world. Players can tackle design challenges with different themes, customize their studio, and personalize characters to play as in the game’s scenes. Kids can save their designs as stickers to play with and completing a design challenge will reward kids with decorations for their studio.
The app is committed to highlighting a variety of characters with different body sizes, skin tones, abilities, and backgrounds. It will also have regular updates to keep kids interested, adding more coloring packs and challenges at later dates.
Barbie Color Creations is designed for iPad and available to download for free now on the App Store. The game will also be getting a Google Play version on June 29. It is appropriate for kids ages 4 and up, and made with kids ages 6-8 in mind. Barbie is bringing kids coloring and creativity to gaming with this new video game!
One of YouTube’s biggest stars is this year’s signature kids promotion for Carl Jr.’s and Hardee’s restaurants.
Ryan’s World, the most popular kids YouTube channel featuring Ryan Kaji and his family, is returning to the restaurant chains with new games and puzzles in the StarPals Kids Meals. This deal was made through the partnership of pocket.watch, the leading kids and family creator content company, and Sunlight Entertainment, the Kaji-family-owned production studio.
The StarPals Kids Meals will feature the beloved animated character Red Titan, who makes appearances on the YouTube channel as the superhero alter ego of Ryan. Red Titan stars in the Ryan’s World Titan Universe episodes and content specials distributed across 41 streaming platforms in more than 80 countries. This character has paved the way for many brands born on YouTube, with appearances on the cover of Kellogg’s cereal boxes and as the first Spanish-language character on Cameo Kids through the use of AI voice technology. Red Titan is also a holiday staple in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as the first and only balloon based on a YouTube star. Last month, players chose to play as Red Titan mre than 200 million times in the TAG with Ryan mobile game that has more than 30 million downloads.
Available for a limited time through Aug. 8 at the more than 3,800 Carl Jr.’s and Hardee’s locations, the Ryan’s World Red Titan games and puzzles in StarPals Kids Meals include a bingo game set branded with all the Titan Universe characters and Happy Star branded tokens; a search-and-find game of discovery that includes stickers; a Titan scramble puzzle that turns into a colorful poster of Red Titan; and a competitive Titan race board game for interactive play with family and friends.
Kids can watch a special Ryan’s World YouTube video that showcases Ryan and his sisters playing with each of these games below!
The original drawing game gets a high-tech boost with Pictionary Air 2! Sketch clues in the air and see them on a device or cast to the TV. Now, with this Pictionary 2 update, players can add points and clear the screen using the pen. Kids can also download digital clue packs for all ages…
Kids can fill and tie over 100 tropical party-color water balloons in less than a minute. These self-sealing water balloons feature innovative O-ring technology and rapid fill capabilities. Kids can simply connect each bunch to a tap or a hose, fill, and make dozens of water balloons at once.
This 42-piece set includes a wooden ice cream counter, a scooper, a soft serve dispenser, and a variety of pretend ice cream components, such as scoops, swirls, cups, cones, and toppings. Other features include a magnetic menu board and a pretend credit card machine. This product will be available at retail mid-May.
This set comes with a shovel, a trowel, a rake, and a watering can made with sustainable bamboo and long-lasting metal for little gardeners. It also includes two bamboo labels so kids can mark what they planted.
JJ and his CoComelon friends join the Squishmallows Squad as squeezable, 10-inch, medium-size HugMees. These plush toys are made with soft, marshmallow-like material. There are six CoComelon characters to collect.
Everybody loves Bluey! The playful 6-year-old Blue Heeler dog from the hit animated series of the same name knows how to turn everyday life into an endless adventure. With Bluey’s Tree Playset from Moose Toys, kids ages 3 and up can join in on the fun and create their own adventures.
Part of Moose Toys’ The World of Bluey collection, this playset comes with an 11-inch-tall tree, two figures (Bluey and a fairy), four accessories (a table, two stools, and a hammock), and a sticker sheet. The tree playset is full of surprises and special features that super fans will recognize. For instance, there is a rope ladder from the “Obstacle Course” episode, a rope swing from “Daddy Putdown,” and even a fairy hideaway from “Barky Boats.” The top of the tree opens up to reveal the fairy hideaway, which even comes complete with a hideaway door. This trapdoor might be a little tricky for small hands to open, but with the right amount of pressure, the door opens up straight into the fairy hideaway.
The set comes with two figures, four accessories, and a sticker sheet. | Source: Moose Toys
Bluey can climb up and down the rope ladder. | Source: Moose Toys
Bluey can sit on the rope swing. | Source: Moose Toys
The set comes with two exclusive figures inspired by the series: Flower Crown Bluey from the “Rug Island” episode and a fairy from the “Fairies” episode. Each of these figures is perfectly sized for preschool hands. While the fairy figure remains in one position, Bluey’s arms and tail are articulated so that kids can spin them in full circles. Her legs also bend together at the hips so that kids can place her in a seated position. There are also holes under the figure’s feet and bottom so that kids can attach Bluey to the rope swing.
The double-sided tree inspires imaginative play as kids make the figures climb up the ladder, ride the swing, slide down the slide, and even relax in the hammock. Kids can recreate memorable moments from the show or create their own storylines.
The playset also comes with a sticker sheet full of gnomes, butterflies, flowers, ladybugs, bumblebees, and other garden-themed items. Kids can really tap into their creativity and make the set their own with their sticker placement — no place is off limits!
Bluey’s Tree Playset will send kids on an endless adventure with their favorite animated friend. Plus, parents will love that their adventurous little ones can climb, swing, and slide without getting hurt!
Climb into Bluey’s world with this 11-inch-tall tree playset, which features a treehouse, a swing, a hammock, a secret door, and more. It comes with two exclusive figures inspired by the series: Flower Crown Bluey from the “Rug Island” episode and a fairy from the “Fairies” episode.
Toy Insider Editor-in-Chief Ali Mierzejewski joined CBS in Las Vegas to show off the hottest new toys from kids favorite shows, movies, games, and more. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the season, be sure to check out The Toy Insider’s Spring and Summer Gift Guide.
Each capsule contains a figure, unique accessories, a background scene card, and a transforming, 360-degree display. Kids can solve the clues to reveal one of 14 characters in Series 1, including two rare chase characters.
Players can travel through 100 years of Disney history with 2,000 trivia questions. The golden game pawns are hand-sculpted, scaled representations of fan-favorite characters.
Celebrate Barbie The Movie with a collector doll! Each doll includes a move-accurate outfit and accessories. Kids can choose from multiple Barbie dolls in her various outfits from the film, multiple Ken dolls in different outfits from the film, the Gloria doll, and the President doll.
These 4-inch figures are authentically sculpted and decorated as they appeared in the hit 1980’s animated TV show. The Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello figures each feature seven points of articulation, storage shells, and their signature accessories. The mutant figures include Classic Foot Soldier, Bebop, Shredder, Rocksteady, Splinter, Leatherhead, and Krang. Each mutant figure features seven points…
This van opens from the front and the back, with room for four Turtles and Splinter (sold separately). Kids can activate the slide-out pizza launcher, which fires up to eight mini pizza pies.
Featuring real-working wheels, a Chase action figure, and Chase’s rescue vehicle, the Whale Patroller is equipped for super-charged rescue missions. Kids can take Chase up to the observation deck, or put him into the cockpit of his rescue vehicle and lower the Patroller’s tail ramp. Then, they can load the rescue vehicle into the Patroller’s…
The Disney100 celebrations continue with even more new merch for every little fan — this time with a new series of Disney Doorables from Just Play.
Look for 80 characters in the collection. | Source: Just Play
Kids can find a minimum of five figures in each pack, but sometimes more! | Source: Just Play
Recommended for kids ages 5 and up, Disney Doorables are collectible figures, each a stylized version of a Disney character that stands 1.5 inches tall with sparkly glitter eyes. The figures are found in mystery box packaging, with some including rare bonus figures. This new series of Disney Doorables is the 10th series for the brand and comes with fresh characters and figures celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Co.
Kids can open the doors to unbox a minimum of five figures, but they might even get a few bonus figures for a total of six or seven. The newest series features never-before-featured Doorables from Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove, Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Robin Hood, Pocahontas, Disney and Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur, and more, as well as metallic figures from Disney and Pixar’s Wall-E, Glittery Princess Ballerinas, and flocked animal friends from Disney’s Oliver and Company.
There are nine special-edition Disney100 Years of Wonder figures, including Snow White, Stitch, Jack Skellington, Woody, Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Simba, Elsa, and Tiana. Series 10 also includes the limited-edition Mickey Mouse Disney100 figure. With only 100 made, it’ll be a rare collectible for the lucky finders. There are 80 characters to look for in total.
The Disney Doorables Multi Peek Series 10 collectible figure mystery packs are available now at Target and Amazon for $11.99. They will also launch at Walmart later this summer. Get the magic of Disney in miniature with this 100th-anniversary series!
Kids can open the doors to unbox five, six, or even seven collectible Disney figures. Series 10 celebrates the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Co. Kids can collect 80 new figures, including metallic and flocked variants, nine special-edition Disney100 Years of Wonder figures, and a limited-edition Mickey Mouse Disney100 figure.
Educational Insights is officially the first toy brand to use TikTok’s new in-app shopping tool! Over the past year, Educational Insights’ 3D puzzle Kanoodle has gained more than one billion views on TikTok, making it the perfect brand to launch a TikTok shop.
To find Educational Insights’ TikTok shop, first head to its TikTok account @educationalinsights. Then, check out the shopping bag tab underneath the account bio!
Educational Insights' hottest toys are now available on TikTok! | Source: Educational Insights
Educational Insights' hottest toys are now available on TikTok! | Source: Educational Insights
Some highlights in the TikTok shop include the classic Kanoodle, which is a puzzle that comes with different shaped pieces that players have to find a way to fit together; Playfoam sand, a sensory toy that is perfect for ASMR; and Playfoam Naturals, Playfoam that is made out of sustainable materials.
Kanoodle and Educational Insights’ Playfoam toys are currently available for sale on the company’s TikTok shop. You can also find the toys available at educationalinsights.com from $9.99-33.99.
The TikTok shop is a great new social media feature that will help adults track down the cool toys they see that they know will be perfect for the kids in their lives.
Instead of fighting over the favorite, why not play both?
Hasbro has teamed up with Winning Moves Games to make Monopoly Scrabble, a combination of classic board games that brings the best of both worlds. The new game will release this fall, alongside other fresh offerings from the partnership, such as Boggle Jr. and a reproduction of the time-honored 1980s version of Risk.
The board mashes up two favorite games. | Source: Hasbro/Winning Move Games
In Monopoly Scrabble, rather than rolling dice to move across the board, players can make words to move based on their score. If a player makes a word on a premium space, they can lay claim to a Monopoly property. The game ends when someone plays the final letter tile. Whoever has the most money and property value when the last letter tile played is deemed the winner. The gameplay is quick thanks to clever twists and custom Community Chest and Chance cards, keep things moving at a fast pace.
Hasbro and Winning Move Games aren’t stopping there. To bring back even more game night nostalgia, Boggle Jr. and Risk are both getting rereleases. Monopoly Scrabble is expected to release this fall, so little fans of both games should mark their calendars!
Kids won’t shed any tears when they hear the news that IMC Toys’ Cry Babies are heading to PC and consoles for the first time!
Merge Games has partnered with IMC Toys to bring Cry Babies Magic Tears: The Big Game to PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Inspired by IMC Toys’ collectible dolls that cry real tears when kids feed them water from their bottles, this new video game invites young players into an imaginative world where tears provide the magic for a new adventure.
Perfect for young players, Cry Babies Magic Tears: The Big Game gives kids the opportunity to join Lady, Coney, Dreamy, and friends as they take part in an exciting tournament around multiple worlds inspired by the Cry Babies series. From Baby Bottle Valley to an all-new planet, Planet Tear, these friends will play hide and seek and solve puzzles along the way to win the Golden Pacifier.
Players can take part in fun mini games. | Source: Merge Games
Choose from 15 different Cry Babies. | Source: Merge Games
Collect pink stars and use them on new outfits. | Source: Merge Games
Players can choose from 15 popular Cry Babies characters and explore familiar locations such as Fantasy Mountain, Tutti Frutti Bay, and Icy World. There are lots of fun mini games and activities, including mazes, dancing, taking photos, and having a bath. Kids can collect pink stars by exploring and then use them to get new clothes and outfits.
Since Cry Babies love their friends, kids can use a second controller so that two players can cooperate and have double the fun. All of the story scenes are animated and voiced just like the animated series, so kids will feel like they are taking part in a whole new interactive episode.
Check out the Cry Babies Magic Tears: The Big Game trailer below!
If you or your kids are into video games, you’re going to want to stop by the Nintendo Summer of Play Tour between June 15 to Aug. 28. This summer, Nintendo is hosting a tour across the U.S., giving fans a place to explore the worlds from various Nintendo Switch games, including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Pokémon Scarlet, Pokémon Violet, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and a new game launching this summer.
Guests can take photos with Pikachu and other Pokémon, sit by a campfire with Tom Nook and Isabelle for an Animal Crossing-themed photo-op, join Mario to speed down Rainbow Road in a race found in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe — Booster Course Pass DLC for Mario Kart 8, and play The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Kids can pose with plant-like creatures in a garden photo-op inspired by the upcoming Pikmin 4 game launching on July 21. There is also a place to take photos in the Play Nintendo Mushroom Kingdom Yourself Photobooth.
Source: Nintendo
Nintendo Summer of Play visitors will receive a free event passport that they can get stamped after participating in activities at the event and a GameStop coupon for a discount on select Nintendo video games and accessories. Once guests collect all of their event passport stamps, they’ll have a chance to receive Nintendo giveaways while supplies last. Nintendo Account holders can check in with My Nintendo at the event to receive a free gift while supplies list and 100 My Nintendo Platinum Points that they can redeem for rewards on my.nintendo.com.
The tour will make the following stops, as well as one additional stop that has not been announced yet:
June 15-18: Mall of America in Minneapolis
June 22-25: Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Detroit
June 29-July 2: Meatpacking District Pop Up (60 10th Ave.) in New York City
July 7-10: West Town Mall in Knoxville
July 20-23: Florida Mall in Orlando
July 28-31: Barton Creek Square in Austin
Aug. 17-20: FlatIron Crossing in Denver
Aug. 25-28: Santa Monica Place in Los Angeles
In addition, the Nintendo Live 2023 event will take place in Seattle from Sept. 1-4 with live performances, tournaments, and more. Click here for more information on that and visit nintendo.com/events/play-events for more dates and details about the Summer of Play tour.
For generations, kids have dreamed about fighting alongside Batman and bringing justice to Gotham City. Now, Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America is making that dream a reality with the latest edition of the Vital Hero interactive wristband.
Designed for kids ages 8 and up, the Vital Hero tracks kids’ steps and heart rate. As kids get more exercise in, Batman will become a better fighter. Then, kids can use their leveled-up Batman to fight in battles against other users. Kids can battle others directly on their device or by using an NFC device like a phone or a card reader.
Vital Hero features an LED screen and tracks movement and heart rate! | Source: Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America
If kids are looking for a challenge, they can also challenge Batman to Activity Missions, which include running, shadow boxing, situps, and walking. The more Activity Missions kids do, the more trophies they can win and the stronger their Batman is.
Kids can unlock more than 15 new characters with the Memory Card Pack expansion! | Source: Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America
Kids can unlock Batman’s friends — including Wonder Woman, Robin, Superman, and more — and villains using the DC Heroes and DC Villains Memory Card Pack, an add-on that extends the gameplay even more! The Vital Hero adventures don’t end there, though. Kids can download the Vital Bracelet Arena app to compete with their friends and join worldwide tournaments with their heroes.
Toy Insider Senior Editor Madeleine Buckley joined Live in the D on NBC in Detroit to show off the hot toys kids will be asking for this summer. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the season, be sure to check out The Toy Insider’s Spring and Summer Gift Guide.
Spread out the picnic basket and start loading the felt toppings between the slices of bread. Add the pretend mayo and mustard and then kids can secure it with one of the “toothpicks.” They screw into the bread to hold everything in place. Features felt toppings to stack between the wooden bread slices. “Toothpicks” screw…
This pack includes a forever bottle, a double-bubble wand, and six bubble powder packs. Kids can pour a pack of bubble powder into their bottle and give it a shake, then start blowing bubbles right away.
Kids can take their Koosh game up a level with Koosh Comet! The long tail is perfect for swinging around and sending flying through the air. Koosh Comet can be thrown far! Try to catch it by the tail or the Koosh ball to earn points. Play solo or with friends.
Kids can paint the cornhole boards with the included paint and brushes, then play the game with the included bean bags. When they’re ready for a redesign, kids can wipe the boards clean with a wet towel and paint them again.
Toy Insider Senior Editor/Toy Book Editor-in-Chief James Zahn joined Fox 5 in Las Vegas to show off some of the hottest new licensed products from kids’ favorite shows, movies, motorsports entertainment, and more. But, since this segment was live from the show floor at Licensing Expo, it also contains a BIG surprise with an exclusive first look at Feld Entertainment’s Marvel Spider-Man Monster Jam truck that will roll out in arenas around the world this summer before coming to the toy department alongside new Monster Jam toys from Spin Master. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the season, be sure to check out The Toy Insider’s Spring and Summer Gift Guide.
Miraculous Ladybug makes her feature film debut in an enchanting animated and musical tale. The Movie takes kids on a journey of discovery in this beautiful origin story of how two teens embarked on their superhero destinies! This line includes a 10.5-inch Ladybug doll and an 11-inch Cat Noir doll, each with 15 points of…
Kids can convert Bumblebee from a robot action figure to a wearable mask in 15 steps. The 9-inch mask has an elastic strap and nose padding for an adjustable fit.
Kids can snuggle up and play with these ultra-collectible, ultra-squeezable Pokémon Squishmallows plush. Pokémon Trainers can collect Pikachu, Gengar, Snorlax, and Togepi, each officially licensed by The Pokémon Co. International.
Kids can unbox eight surprises, including one of 12 L.O.L. Surprise Dolls, an outfit, shoes, accessories, a bottle, a secret message, and more. When placed in sunlight, each Sunshine Makeover doll will have a color-change transformation to its fashion, hair, makeup, or body. The color change will disappear and reappear when kids take the doll…
Recreate the epic World Finals XXI stunt with the Monster Jam El Toro Loco Big Air Challenge. The playset is over 20 inches tall and features an exclusive El Toro Loco truck, launcher, and panel target. With over 5 positions on the launcher, kids can aim their sights for the top to see the firework…
The adorable Glo Pals are here to give baths a glow-up!
Glo Pals got their start with a mother helping her kid with autism get over his fear of water. Now, these sensory toys have a full line of characters designed to make bathtime fun for every kid. The Glo Pals light up when exposed to liquid, so any kid will be eager to get their toys (and themselves) into the water!
Glo Pals is bringing even more to bathtime with character updates and new sets on the way. Each Glo Pal Light Up Cube is designed to last for a minimum of 16 hours of light and is now made with 100% recycled plastic. Kids can insert the cube into their Glo Pals character to make them glow. The characters are also getting a more detailed look that’ll have kids falling in love with their light-up buddies all over again.
With so many characters to choose from, every kid will have a favorite bathtime buddy! | Source: Glo Pals
The newest Glo Pals release is giving every character a fresh look and new personality profiles. The pals include Alex, who glows yellow; Blair, who glows blue; Lumi, who glows purple; Pippa, who glows green; and Sammy, who glows red. Kids can connect to their Glo Pal through shared interests, such as Sammy’s love for sports or Lumi’s passion for arts and crafts. The newest line of updated pals will release on July 25.
That’s not all that’s on the way from Glo Pals! The Pick Up Pals Tool Set is a full set of tactile tools, perfect to pair with any sensory bin. The Sensory Jar also gives kids an interactive hands-on experience with a jar that lights up when kids fill it with water. Both the Sensory Jar and the Tool Set will launch this September.
Glo Pals even has the perfect collab for little fans of Sesame Street, with Abby Cadabby, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster pals available now. Have a look at the official store to find a favorite character and see bathtime in a new light!
These liquid-activated, light-up sensory toys are designed to nurture imagination, encourage development, and support learning through playtime. Kids can insert a light-up cube into each character to see it illuminate when they place it in water.
Get your magnifying glasses ready because a new Clue game from Hasbro is here!
Designed for for 4-10 players, Clue Conspiracy is a role strategy game that takes place at the luxurious Black Adder Resort, where guests discover that someone (maybe even you!) wants to murder the manager, Mr. Coral. A series of deadly traps have been planted all over the tropical resort and someone is armed!
Source: Hasbro
Source: Hasbro
Source: Hasbro
In this game of deception and deduction, players ages 14 and up take on secret roles on opposing teams: Friends vs. the Conspiracy. The Friends work to save Mr. Coral and uncover the “who,” “where,” and “what” of the Conspiracy’s secret plot. Members of the Conspiracy lie, bluff, and secretly sabotage the Friends to spring the traps and set up Coral’s murder. It’s all about mind games as players conspire, gather clues, share info (or not), and call each other out to stop the other side.
Perfect for fans of true crime podcasts or murder mysteries, Clue Conspiracy also comes with a free app to enhance the playing experience. Players can scan the in-pack QR code to visit the free Clue Conspiracy web-app, where players will find a step-by-step set-up guide, an instructional video, a timer, and more to learn the game and immerse themselves in the story.
Clue Conspiracy is available now on Amazon for $24.99 and will be available at most major retailers starting on Aug. 1.
Clue Conspiracy is a role strategy game for 4-10 players that takes place at the luxurious Black Adder Resort, where guests discover that someone (maybe even you!) wants to murder the manager, Mr. Coral. A series of deadly traps have been planted all over the tropical resort and someone is armed! It’s all about mind…
American Girl dolls always have the best outfits; who wouldn’t want to look just like them? Now, kids can dress up like their dolls with American Girl’s collaboration with the clothing brand Something Navy.
The collection features four looks for kids and dolls to rock. The Blooms of Blue dress, which is designed for Mattel‘s regular American Girl dolls and Bitty Baby dolls, features a white base with navy blue flowers on it. The Nod to Nautical outfit also spotlights navy blue, with a striped shirt with a sequined collar and matching navy pants. Kids will be pretty in pink in the Pastel Pink outfit, which features a ruffled skirt with a matching top, complete with a bow! Finally, kids can look slick in the Perfectly Pink Trench, adding a shiny pop of color to any outfit!
Kids can match with their American Girl dolls in these new outfits! | Source: American Girl
Kids can match with their American Girl dolls in these new outfits! | Source: American Girl
Kids can match with their American Girl dolls in these new outfits! | Source: American Girl
Kids can match with their American Girl dolls in these new outfits! | Source: American Girl
Kids can match with their American Girl dolls in these new outfits! | Source: American Girl
Kids can match with their American Girl dolls in these new outfits! | Source: American Girl
Kids can match with their American Girl dolls in these new outfits! | Source: American Girl
Kids can match with their American Girl dolls in these new outfits! | Source: American Girl
Kids can match with their American Girl dolls in these new outfits! | Source: American Girl
While there are only four outfits to match, the collection doesn’t end there. There are also accessories to complete the outfits! The accessories include a pink purse that comes in both doll and kid sizes, pink boots and gold sandals for the dolls, and an accessory pack that includes a scrunchie and a hair bow.
Kids can get the collection individually or bundled, which is perfect for any level of American Girl doll fan. The kids’ clothes in the collection come in a wide range of sizes, so kids of all ages can join in on the matching fun! The collection is available at americangirl.com from $10 for individual accessories up to $273 for all of the kids’ clothing.
Who lives in a pineapple inside your favorite app?
Toca Boca, owned by Spin Master, makes games, digital toys, and more for all kids to enjoy. The bright colors and adorably stylized characters of the game Toca Life World are sure to charm any little gamer. Now, fans of the hit app can bring their favorite Bikini Bottom decorations to the game with a SpongeBob SquarePants Furniture Pack.
The new Furniture Pack includes all the fun of SpongeBob! | Source: Toca Boca
The new pack includes a series of decorations players can use to customize their in-game homes. With 87 different pieces of furniture as well as wall designs and floor patterns, there’s sure to be a favorite for any fans of the Nickelodeon series. The new pack is available now in the in-app store.
In addition to the new Furniture Pack, a free Gift Event will take place in the app between June 13-18. The event will offer players outfits, items, and pets, all themed around their favorite ocean residents.
Toca Life World is available to download on the App Store and Google Play. The game encourages kids to express their creativity as they create a character, design houses, and explore the world around them. The new SpongeBob collaboration will provide even more options for little fans that want to show their love for the characters from the show.
We know that summer can’t always be cloudless, sunny days — sometimes your fun outside plans are foiled by gray clouds and rainy storms. But being stuck inside doesn’t mean that kids have to be bored! We’ve rounded up our favorite toys that will help your kids beat their cabin fever and still have fun indoors. Check them out below!
In this game, each team tries to shout out words within a specific category, such as “breakfast cereals” or “action movies,” but the word must begin with a particular letter. Letters are distributed around the board, and the faster players shout out answers, the further they’ll move along the track.
Kids can click, connect, and create vehicles with this nine-piece magnetic building set. The STEM-inspired set comes with a square, triangles, a rectangle, a window square, a chair square, click wheels, and a jungle racing figure. The included instruction booklet features ideas and building instructions.
Kids will follow the guides and use the included gemstone stickers on the pre-printed templates to create suncatcher window decor. They can choose from Flower, Garden, Aquarium, Rainbow, and Unicorn designs, each sold separately.
Kirby returns for a 1-4 player adventure across Planet Popstar in this game for the Nintendo Switch family of systems. Play solo as Kirby or cooperatively with friends on the same system to help cosmic traveler Magolor rebuild his ship. Plus, play a collection of subgames and earn in-game rewards.
Immerse yourself in the worlds of fan-favorite Disney heroines: Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Elsa, Jasmine, Merida, Mulan, Rapunzel, and Snow White. Each 1,000-piece puzzle illustrates the character along with an interior look at her castle.
Kids can build the iconic house from the Disney and Pixar movie Up with this 598-piece construction set. It features multiple rooms and comes with LEGO minifigures of Carl Fredricksen and Russell, plus a Dug LEGO dog figure.
Kids can put their Beyblade Quadstrike tops to the test in this battle set. The set comes with two tops and launchers and has four Quad Zones for kids to dominate.
This musical toy for toddlers includes six magnetic musical activators that each play a different song when kids place them on the platform. Toddlers can sing along to their favorite CoComelon songs using the included wired microphone. When playtime is over, it doubles as a night light and has a timer to play built-in lullabies…
Kids can pretend to cook a variety of barbecue favorites with this grill playset, which features a smoker box and a pizza oven along with features like turnable dials. The set includes more than 60 accessories and play food pieces, which all store inside the grill when play is done. This product will be available…
This van opens from the front and the back, with room for four Turtles and Splinter (sold separately). Kids can activate the slide-out pizza launcher, which fires up to eight mini pizza pies.
Kids can build a variety of fort structures with bendable connectors and sturdy poles, making everything from domes and pyramids to rocket ships and anything else they can imagine. This kit comes with 70 pieces and detailed illustrated instructions that explain building basics, as well as how to build a hut and a mini rocket.
This lemonade set is full of pretend play accessories, including a hook-and-loop lemon kids can cut in half, a lemonade pitcher, ice cubes, a set of three glasses, lemon slices that fit onto the glasses, stir sticks, a chalkboard sign, and money. Everything stores neatly into the storage crate, which doubles as a display table.
This 13-inch Elmo plush features the iconic character from Sesame Street dressed in a green dinosaur costume. Elmo moves his arms, stomps along to the “If You’re Happy and You Know It” song, and encourages kids to join in the fun.
This multiplayer, collaborative, brain-teaser game features a tabletop board and geometric pieces that fit together to solve 200 2D and 3D puzzles. Kids can enhance their strategic, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills as they play.
This country-themed playset features a farmhouse, farm accessories, and a variety of animal figures, including a cow, a calf, and a cat. Kids can create their own farm stories using these pieces and the three included figures. The set is eco-friendly, designed with more than 80% sustainable materials.
Kids can create personalized charm bracelets with this craft kit for beginners. The kit comes with different types of charms and beads, elastic cord, and other bracelet-making materials.
This stylish line of 1:15-scale turtle action figures feature four figures with three variants. Each variation has a different colored letterman jacket, solid colored street gang version or a brightly colored windbreaker version. Each comes with multiple head portraits with different facial expressions and hand gestures, signature accessories ranging from walkmans, boomboxes, removable sunglasses, weapons,…
It always seems like toddlers find the most dangerous things interesting. A bright and burning stove? Fascinating. A billowing heap of smoke? Nothing short of magnificent. And while redirecting a toddler’s curious missteps can be a full-time job, finding ways to embrace their all-questioning nature through safe but similar outlets can be a good way to help them feel included and allow you finally take a seat.
Budding chefs can take their grilling game to the next level. | Source: Melissa & Doug
The Melissa & Doug Wooden Deluxe Barbecue Grill, Smoker, and Pizza Oven Playset is a great alternative to finding your toddler’s hands near an actual burning grill this summer. The wooden playset includes an array of features such as a pizza oven, a wooden BBQ grill, and a smoker, complete with wooden and felt play food and condiments, durable utensils, a frying pan, and a wooden pizza paddle. Little grill masters ages 3 and up can fire up imaginative pretend play with tons of interactive details like a built-in timer, dials that raise and lower the “flames,” felt toppings, sliceable double-sided play food pieces, and much more.
The playset includes tons of teachable elements that can help toddlers develop fine motor skills, sorting, and counting skills. Budding chefs can count the number of pretend wooden chips they place into the smoker box before creating make-believe barbecue favorites by placing the uncooked side on the grill, griddle, or side burner, setting the built-in timer, pretending to baste, and flipping it with the included tools to the cooked side (which is obviously adorned with grill marks). Kids can even use the removable thermometer to press holes in the wooden play food to see if it is ‘done.’
The playset includes tons of accessories such as felt toppings, reversible food items, and more. | Source: Melissa & Doug
With more than 60 accessories, it might cross your mind that things could get lost pretty easily. However, with tons of storage space, this playset can be easily tucked away for future use. All play food pieces store neatly on the grill and storage shelf. Additionally, the playset is FSC certified, so the wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests that protect forests for future generations.
Appoint your preschooler as the unofficial chef of grilling season with the Wooden Deluxe Barbecue Grill, Smoker, and Pizza Oven Playset! Who knows? Maybe their steak will turn out better than your husband’s.
Kids can pretend to cook a variety of barbecue favorites with this grill playset, which features a smoker box and a pizza oven along with features like turnable dials. The set includes more than 60 accessories and play food pieces, which all store inside the grill when play is done. This product will be available…
Inspire young builders’ imaginations and enjoy hours of interactive play with the Tonka Tough-Builders Hard Hat & Bucket Playset. Featured in fun, bright colors, this builder’s set includes one yellow Tonka hard hat, 25 chunky building blocks that are easy for little hands to hold and assemble, and a convenient storage bucket that can also…
NERF Elite Junior blasters are lightweight, fit comfortably in small hands, and feature a front-loading design that makes it easy to insert darts. The Starter Set includes two blasters with an oversized aimer for easy targeting and 15 NERF Elite darts.
Fill this plastic pad with water, and seat kids inside or around the edge. An adult can attach a hose to activate a built-in sprinkler, and there are multiple beach-themed accessories kids can use to interact with the water. The set also folds for easy storage.
Inspired by Blaze and the Monster Machines, this R/C monster truck is designed to look like the titular character. The rechargeable car features large tires and a range of up to 150 feet.
Kids can paint the cornhole boards with the included paint and brushes, then play the game with the included bean bags. When they’re ready for a redesign, kids can wipe the boards clean with a wet towel and paint them again.
Summer is here, and that means carnivals are starting to pop up across the country.
Beyond the games and rides that dot the Midway, those sweet carnival treats really add to the whole vibe as families bond over elephant ears, funnel cakes, and cotton candy. Now, families can make one of those treats at home, and no, a deep fryer is not involved (sorry, funnel cakes and elephant ears).
The Real Cotton Candy Maker from Cra-Z-Art is a simple way that tweens and teens ages 14 and up can whip up some sweet, sugary goodness without having to wait for the carnival to roll into town.
Source: Cra-Z-Art
The Real Cotton Candy Maker uses regular sugar to create cotton candy by heating it up and blowing it out. The concept is just like the commercial-grade machines you see at the carnival or theme park, but this is in tabletop form. Kids just slowly pour household sugar into the machine using the included measuring scoop to create one, single-serving batch of cotton candy. Once the sugar is poured, kids can use one of the included paper cones to whirl around the machine to craft their treat — that’s all there is to it!
While the process is simple, there are some things that grownups should know about to make the experience even better: This is an electrical toy that plugs into a wall and should be used inside, preferably in the kitchen. It does not come with any sugar, so you’ll need to have some at home, but household sugar makes cotton candy that’s just a white ball of fluff. If the kids want flavored cotton candy in a rainbow of colors (and trust me, they will), you’ll need to either purchase flavor packs (available from Cra-Z-Art) or you will need to order “flossing sugar” that comes in different colors and flavors. My girls wanted a full range, so we ordered an assortment of flossing sugar and additional paper cones from a place called Cotton Candy Express on Amazon.
Cotton candy for everyone! | Source: Cra-Z-Art
Once the kids get going, it’s important to note that a single serving is about the size of a baseball. Families should also make sure to read and follow the instructions and let the Cotton Candy Maker run through its full cycle of heating and cooling for the best results (a 38-minute process). In the end, it should be unplugged from the wall and the bowl and accessories (not the heating element or motor) should be washed and dried before putting the Cotton Candy Maker away for its next use.
Overall, The Real Cotton Candy Maker is a fun novelty that will be right at home among other carnival-themed toys and games that have been rolling out over the past few years. Just be on the lookout in case enterprising kids start trying to get the neighbors to buy tickets!
This cotton candy maker creates fluffy sweet treats in minutes. Add in your sugar and watch as it swirls the candy floss around the bowl. It comes with paper cones to make a carnival-style summer treat.
These solid wood cornhole boards are made and printed right here in the USA! The boards are finished with a classic clear finish, making them perfect for sliding it in for 3 points! Includes eight 16 oz. regulation, double-stitched bean bags made with duck cloth and all-weather plastic filler to prevent busting/splitting. Features foldable legs…
This authentic Jenga brand game stacks to more than 5 feet high! It is made of precision crafted hardwood and to the same manufacturing specifications as classic Jenga game. This set comes with a heavy duty carry bag so you can take it on the go, making it perfect for indoor and outdoor play! Jenga…
This new bean bag toss game tests players’ accuracy and strategy skills as they throw the bean bags to rotate the planks to the correct colors. There are multiple ways to play, the set even includes a deck of alternate game play option cards to help guide unique play styles. Cross Strike can be played…
Kids can test their Koosh skills in a head-to-head game. The set includes two paddles and a colorful Koosh ball, making it perfect to play inside or outside.
This handheld disc launcher will send mini plastic discs soaring up to 100 feet in the air! Kids can load in a disc, aim away from themselves, and pull the rip cord to send it flying. For evening fun, the glow-in-the-dark version is also available exclusively at Walmart.
An exciting new hybrid between golf and cornhole that takes outdoor games to new heights! Easy to learn and fun for all skill levels – Includes 26” x 48” vertical target, eight color foam golf balls and dry erase scorecard Dynamic gameplay over the course of nine holes; Players choose chipping locations around the grass…
What’s better than blowing bubbles? Blowing hundreds of bubbles at once, without fuss or mess.
As the weather warms up and kids head outside to play, say hello to the Maxx Bubbles Bubble Barrage from Sunny Days Entertainment. Designed for kids ages 3 and up, this bubble blaster is easy to use, visually impressive, and budget-friendly.
The Bubble Barrage is a chunky blaster that is lightweight enough for young kids to hold on their own. It also comes with a tray and a bottle of bubble solution, so adults don’t need to worry about making a separate purchase. The only additional thing you need to make this bubble blaster work is six AA batteries.
Source: Sunny Days Entertainment
Maxx Bubbles Bubble Barrage in packaging | Source: Sunny Days Entertainment
The contents of the Maxx Bubbles Bubble Barrage blaster | Source: Sunny Days Entertainment
Overall, the blaster is very easy to use. No need to pour bubble solution into the blaster. Instead, an adult or older kid simply fills the included round tray (basically a shallow plate) with the included solution. Then, kids can dip the front of the blaster — which is covered in dozens of tiny bubble wands — into that bubble solution. The tray is designed to perfectly fit the blaster, and it is flat enough that it’s tough to spill the solution. That being said, this is definitely an outdoor toy! Because once kids have dipped the blaster in the solution and pull the trigger, they’ll see why this is called “Bubble Barrage.”
Thanks to the battery-powered gust of wind, the blaster will emit hundreds of bubbles at once. It’s a satisfying experience and one that is sure to make even the adults say “wow.” For each dip of the blaster in the bubble solution, kids will get one big bubble rush, then one or two smaller bursts of bubbles if they keep pulling the trigger. To get another bubble barrage, simply dip the blaster back in the bubble tray and pull the trigger again.
Kids will certainly enjoy creating this massive amount of bubbles themselves, but it can also be fun to have an adult or older kid create the bubble barrage for them to enjoy and run through. After a few uses, there may be a bit of bubble solution buildup on the front of the blaster. In this case, an adult should wipe the blaster with a towel or paper towel, then the fun can resume.
The premise of this toy is simple, but the results are fun and visually impressive. And the best part? The blaster costs just $14.99, so you can buy multiple Bubble Barrage blasters for a full-out bubble battle, or pick one up as a summer surprise without breaking the bank. Let the bubbles begin!
Create an endless amount of bubbles! Designed with fun styling and bold colors, this is sure to be a bubble blowing hit this summer. It's easy to use, just screw in the bubble solution and pull the trigger to blow a continuous streak of bubbles. Kids will love the fast bubble blowing action and parents…
The latest collection from Vans celebrates a place where every monster, bird, grouch, and human belong: Sesame Street!
The Vans x Sesame Street collection shares an uplifting “We All Belong” message, honoring the iconic street where kids grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. Featuring beloved Sesame Street characters with an Off the Wall twist, the collection captures an accepting spirit and serves as a reminder of the joy we can bring to the world. This assortment is built for the entire family with a head-to-toe offering of Vans Classics, Vans x Sesame Street by Lizzie Armanto Skate styles, and Vans Customs prints in kids’ and adult sizes.
Sesame Street Knot Tee | Source: Vans
Sk8-Hi Zip Shoes | Source: Vans
For toddler and kids, the collection includes designs featuring furry friends on a variety of shoes, T-shirts, hoodies, and socks. For example, the Sesame Street Knot Tee ($35) features Elmo and Zoe on a skateboard and bicycle with the words “Love Makes the World Go Around.” The Sk8-Hi Zip shoes ($70) feature Oscar the Grouch and Cookie Monster in a vibrant color block pattern.
The Little Lizzie | Source: Vans
Designed for skateboard adventures, the Lizzie Armanto portion of the collection celebrates Lizzie’s sense of learning and passion for skateboarding. The Skate collection kicks off with The Little Lizzie, a marshmallow-colored high-top shoe that features tonal embroidery of Sesame Street characters with a pastel lining and bright lime furry shoelaces.
The Vans x Sesame Street collection shares an uplifting “We All Belong” message, honoring the iconic street where kids grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. Featuring beloved Sesame Street characters with an Off the Wall twist, the collection captures an accepting spirit and serves as a reminder of the joy we can bring to the world.…
Kids can now be responsible for getting those hot rods ready to rumble! Available now for the Nintendo Switch comes Speed Crew, a video game that inserts users into the world of an elite pit crew.
With a storyline starring the anti-hero Dominion Torrento, this game from Indie Ukrainian publisher Wild Fields pulls players into a high-octane world of racecar repair. Gamers will have to work together to win championships across four chaotic decades from the ‘00s to the ‘70s, diagnosing car troubles, avoiding hazards, completing challenges, and navigating 48 levels of gameplay.
Gameplay from 'Speed Crew' | Source: Wild Fields
Gameplay from 'Speed Crew' | Source: Wild Fields
Stylized graphics bring this elite crew into retro, playful territory. Speed Crew offers 8-10 hours of pedal-to-the-metal action, with future updates and DLCs holding the promise of even more automobile mania.
Speed Crew is recommended for players of all ages and skill levels. Online multiplayer options multiply the fun factor, and with teamwork being the impetus, kids are bound to learn a thing or two (and not just about suspension, pistons, and carburetors).
Designed for 1-4 players, the game is available for download on the Nintendo Store for $19.99. Whether playing at home on the TV or going handheld at a pit stop of your own on long family trips, Speed Crew is sure to give the good times a little extra gas.
Since the ‘80s, the Lite-Brite has been Brite-ning up kids’ lives with puzzling play and colorful designs. Now (we won’t mention how many years later) the toy is available in an all-new, miniature form that’s still big on play value.
New from Basic Fun!, the Lite-Brite Mini-X Connect, like its predecessors, is a square grid that kids place colorful pegs into and then turn on to create glowing designs. Unlike the Lite-Brites of the past, however, this one is mini! It’s a 4-by-4-inch grid, making it perfect for car trips and an easy thing to throw into backpacks on the way to summer camp. It can also connect to other Mini-X Connects, which means kids can either buy multiple to create unique designs, or pair up with pals who also have one.
Each side of the grid is connectable, so the possibilities are endless with what kids and their friends can create. If you’re heading to a family event, this would be a fun gift for all the kids ages 4 and up. With the price point at $9.99, it’s not too expensive of an option depending on how many kids are in your family. It will also keep them out of your hair while you gossip with the grownups, and that’s truly priceless.
As someone who loses everything she ever touches, my only qualm over traveling with the set is the 170 mini-pegs that come with it. If one falls on the floor of the car, it’s probably going to live there forever along with the stale McDonald’s french fry and pocket change. To help keep them more secure, you can place the pegs into a sealable plastic bag, or better yet, place the whole set in a food container to keep it all in one place for easier transport.
The nostalgia with this Lite-Brite set is hard to pass up. Parents could also “forget” to give it to kids altogether and keep it on their desks as a fun thing to fidget with during boring Zoom calls. Whoever it’s for, you’ll need three AAA batteries before Brite-ning up your day.
The Lite-Brite Mini-X Connect is here to connect families with a fun time.
Create, connect, and shine! Inspired by the classic ’80s Lite-Brite toy, this mini version comes with a 4-by-4-inch grid that connects to other Mini-X Connects for bigger and more innovative designs. Each set includes eight design templates and 170 colorful pegs that light up when kids tap them.
For 10 years, kids have been running, dodging, and jumping in Minion Rush. To celebrate the anniversary of the video game, Gameloft and Illumination are holding new challenges and events for kids to rush into.
The Minions want to help the celebration efforts by carving Gru’s face into the moon. Kids can help them get the job done by collecting oxygen tanks, hammers, rocket parts, and lasers. Then, kids will take the Minions to the U.S. to build a playground and play iconic American sports, including football, baseball, and basketball.
Minion Rush World Tour will celebrate players around the world! | Source: Gameloft
Minion Rush is also traveling the world with the World Tour event, which will take kids to countries including Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, and more. Special, in-game rewards will be available during these events, including unlocking a new playable character, Phil! Later this year, Minion Rush will also launch an event inspired by the Villain-Con Minion Blast ride that is opening at Universal Orlando Resort this summer.
With so many events coming up in Minion Rush this summer, kids will have more fun than ever running along with their favorite yellow creatures! The game is available to download on Apple Store, Google Play, Amazon, and Facebook Gaming.
Get ready to celebrate the power of girlhood and friendship with a new live concert experience.
Touring venues in the U.S. starting this fall, American Girl Live! In Concert brings American Girl’s most beloved characters to the stage in a new pop concert spectacle. This action-packed and interactive concert from Mattel and Gershwin Entertainment will feature fan-favorite tunes; exciting, live musical performances; high-energy dancing; and lots of fun surprises.
The national tour kicks off in Concord, New Hampshire, and will visit more than 20 cities for the initial tour dates, including New York City, Washington D.C., Chicago, Indianapolis, and Atlanta. The venues and dates will be announced soon.
Audiences will follow an original story featuring American Girl’s favorite characters throughout the decades, including Claudie from the 1920s; Melody from the ’60s; Julie from the ’70s, Courtney from the ’80s; and one of the newest characters, Nicki from the late ’90s. These iconic characters will come together to find confidence and kindness. The new show will feature American Girl hit songs such as Best Friends, Dare to Dream, and Girl Power.
Fans who sign up now for the priority waitlist at americangirlliveinconcert.com get early access to presale tickets starting on June 15 at 9 a.m. EST and will also be the first to know of additional cities as they’re announced when the tour heads to future locations like Los Angeles, Dallas, and more. The general public will be able to purchase tickets the next day on June 16 at 9 a.m. EST.
Tired of picking up the tiny pieces after a water balloon fight? Wishing to give your fingers a break from tying so many balloons? Reusable Sponge Balls get soaked, tossed, and stored away to use again and again. Not to mention, they are so much softer!
Kids can test their Koosh skills in a head-to-head game. The set includes two paddles and a colorful Koosh ball, making it perfect to play inside or outside.
A real-life gardening set for kids! Made of real wood and metal, the included gardening tools are just that — real tools! Till the garden with the rake. Dig holes for planting with the trowel. Scoop away excess dirt with the shovel. Give plants a refreshing drink with the watering can. Then, store everything in…
Kids never have to worry about losing their water toys at the bottom of the pool again with the SwimWays Floating Figures. These 5-8-inch figures float on their own and will always stay upright, so kids don’t have to chase after them. Choose from Ariel, Batman, Joker, Gabby or Mercat from Gabby’s Dollhouse, or PAW…
Kids can make tasty slushy treats with Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and Lucy van Pelt! This sno-cone machine comes with a real ice shaver for making the most authentic slushy drinks. Simply add ice, shave ice, pour in fruit punch flavor drink mix, and drizzle syrup on top for the ultimate Peanuts-themed sno-cone! Features Snoopy sno-cone…
To celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary, Ravensburger is releasing two new versions of the Disney Villainous board game. Disney Villainous: Introduction to Evil (Disney100 Edition) revamps four classic Disney villains: Ursula, Maleficent, Captain Hook, and Prince John. The limited-edition, Target-exclusive game will feature simpler game play to introduce new players to the game. The platinum foil packaging and special Disney100 sticker flow seamlessly with other Disney100 merchandise. The game will be available for preorder starting on June 20.
Oogie Boogie is the star of the show in Disney Villainous: Filled with Fright! | Source: Ravensburger
Just in time for spooky season, Ravensburger is also making a Disney Villainous game inspired by the baddies in The Nightmare Before Christmas. While Ravensburger is taking an official stance on the “Is The Nightmare Before Christmas a Halloween or Christmas movie?” debate, players will love playing the role of Oogie Boogie as he tries to dethrone Jack Skellington!
Ravensburger will also host the first Disney Villainous tournament at Gen Con Indy this year. To enter the tournament, players can fill out the entry form here by June 14 at 11:59 p.m. Seats are limited, so Ravensburger is holding a raffle to determine who will compete. Players must already be going to Gen Con to qualify.
Disney Villainous: Introduction to Evil (Disney100 Edition) is currently available for preorder for $34.99 at Target and comes out on July 30. It’s a good year for kids whose favorite characters are the baddies!
This limited-edition board game features four classic Disney villains: Maleficent, Captain Hook, Ursula, and Prince John. Take on the role of villain and strive to achieve your own devious objective.
The Jewel of Jumanji is missing, making the animal run rampant.
On Nov. 23, players can dive into a new video game and join Dr. Smolder Bravestone, Ruby Roundhouse, Franklin “Mouse” Finbar, and Professor Shelly Oberon on a heroic mission to get the artifact back and return home. Developed by Outright Games and inspired by Jumanji: Next Level, this new game challenges players to take on the wild world of the movie franchise and fight creatures from all walks of jungle life.
Jumanji: Wild Adventures plops players into a massive world filled with various locations to explore, from icy mountains to dangerous jungles. Whether in solo or multiplayer mode, the movie-inspired story and wise cracks from Jumanji’s gave of explores keeps players engaged through endless puzzle solving and boss battles. Throughout the game, players can upgrade characters to unlock new abilities needed for battle.
Jumanji: Wild Adventures will be available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox X|S, and Steam on Nov. 23. For more information on the upcoming game, visit outrightgames.com.
VolleyShot from Fat Brain Toys is giving nostalgic vibes. This easy-to-learn but hard-to-master game offers entertainment coupled with a classic wooden design for tweens, teens, and adults to enjoy. Upon opening the box, this toy gave this reviewer a flashback!
There is a place called Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. It purports to be the largest outdoor history museum in the Northeast and depicts a rural New England town of the 1830s. In addition to homes and a schoolhouse, there is also a country store that sells toys kids used in the 1800s — such as wooden ring and pin games or the wooden hoop rolling game. These simple wooden toys kept kids entertained and challenged for hours in “the good old days.” Parents often buy those replicas from the country store when visiting the old village — when they may not typically succumb to buying souvenirs!
Volleyshot offers similar retro-inspired gameplay, which has fascinated kids for centuries. Volleyshot is made from high-quality wood and packaged in a brown cardboard box with packaging graphics reminiscent of yesteryear. If you can’t fathom having one more piece of plastic in your house, this game might be for you.
Each player operates one of the two paddles (similar to Foosball) and tries to flip the paddle to knock the pendulum ball back toward the other player. The goal is to keep the volley going as long as possible, but if you miss, your opponent gets the point, which can be tracked with the built-in score slider. The first person to score 10 points wins the game.
Players can launch some fun between friends with VolleyShot. | Source: Fat Brain Toys
With the small size and everything built-in, there are no pieces to lose, making it a great game to take to a party or a picnic, bring on a bus, or in the backyard. It is excellent for a rainy day, boredom buster activity, but one fun idea is to use it in place of a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors when needing to decide if it is Taco Night or Pizza Night, who takes out the trash, or who has to empty the dishwasher. It is also an excellent way for kids to work on hand-eye coordination, concentration, and more.
All in all, dive right into this simple game with lots of ways to serve up some fun!
Each player operates a paddle, knocking the ball back and forth until somebody misses. All it takes is a single hiccup to miss, and every miss is a point for the opponent. Stay focused, stay steady. The first to 10 points wins.
Tired of picking up the tiny pieces after a water balloon fight? Wishing to give your fingers a break from tying so many balloons? Reusable Sponge Balls get soaked, tossed, and stored away to use again and again. Not to mention, they are so much softer!
Snap Circuits Summer of STEM set allows kids to engage in creative STEM learning and play throughout the summer with Snap Circuits. Three unique Snap Circuits kids are included for three months of exploration, learning, and play. Month one is all about learning the fundamentals of science, electricity, and engineering with up to 300 projects…
Kids never have to worry about losing their water toys at the bottom of the pool again with the SwimWays Floating Figures. These 5-8-inch figures float on their own and will always stay upright, so kids don’t have to chase after them. Choose from Ariel, Batman, Joker, Gabby or Mercat from Gabby’s Dollhouse, or PAW…
Stay hydrated this summer! Kids will love decorating their own bottles with the Decorate Your Own Gemstone Water Bottle Kit. It comes with four sheets of sparkly rhinestone and glitter gemstone stickers for kids to bling out their bottles! Include a carabiner to hang the bottle so kids can bring it on the go. Kids…
The classic Pie Face game is now a no-mess water sprinkler game! Pie Face Splash Game is easy to set up, kids can start playing in four easy steps: connect the hose, spin the spinner, push the handle, and try to complete a turn without getting sprayed. With each pump of the handle, there’s a…
Race around the colorful, inflatable pool with the two speed boat racers included in the set. Play in or out of the water — just fill up the pool with water and zip the boats around with the remote controls. Features a rechargeable battery with the ability to charge from either the wall or remote…
Squishmallows, the adorable, collectible plush characters from Jazwares, are about to make their Happy Meal debut at McDonald’s across the country.
Kids can find 24 Squishmallows in their Happy Meals this summer! | Source: Jazwares
Kids can find 24 Squishmallows in their Happy Meals this summer! | Source: Jazwares
Kids can find 24 Squishmallows in their Happy Meals this summer! | Source: Jazwares
Kids can find 24 Squishmallows in their Happy Meals this summer! | Source: Jazwares
Kids can find 24 Squishmallows in their Happy Meals this summer! | Source: Jazwares
Kids can find 24 Squishmallows in their Happy Meals this summer! | Source: Jazwares
Kids can find 24 Squishmallows in their Happy Meals this summer! | Source: Jazwares
Kids can find 24 Squishmallows in their Happy Meals this summer! | Source: Jazwares
Kids can find 24 Squishmallows in their Happy Meals this summer! | Source: Jazwares
Kids can find 24 Squishmallows in their Happy Meals this summer! | Source: Jazwares
Kids can find 24 Squishmallows in their Happy Meals this summer! | Source: Jazwares
Kids can find 24 Squishmallows in their Happy Meals this summer! | Source: Jazwares
There will be 24 mini Squishmallows, including exclusive and seasonal designs, for kids to collect. Participating McDonald’s location will each have 10-12 of the Squishmallows. Each Happy Meal Squishmallow features fun designs that show off their personality! Some highlights to the collection include a shark donning a weathered denim vest and a black bandana, a cat wearing blue-and-green sunglasses with a matching fanny pack, a hedgehog wearing headphones with epic fire designs, and more.
The Happy Meals will come in Squishmallows-themed boxes with an adorable matching box inside that matches the Squishmallow! 14 of the mini Squishmallows will also come with an exclusive playlist created by Universal Music Group that will encapsulate the plush toy’s personality. To access the playlists, kids will need to scan the QR code on the Squishmallows packaging or the Happy Meal box.
Whether kids are chomping down on McNuggets or a cheeseburger, they’re bound to love the Squishmallows that come in their Happy Meals this summer.
Calling all Smurfs fans! The internationally beloved brand is getting its own tabletop gaming experience timed with The Smurfs’ 65th anniversary.
Maestro Media, a leader in tabletop games and community-driven campaigns, has announced a crowdfunding project for the game set to launch on Kickstarter in October. This campaign will allow fans to get involved and provide feedback, ensuring a fun and engaging final product that is loyal to The Smurfs universe. Backers will receive a physical copy of the game next year and it will also be available to purchase at retailers.
Tentatively titled Smurfs’ Hidden Village, the game features Smurfs that are tasked with rebuilding the mushroom village from scratch following the evil sorcerer Gargamel’s latest scheme. Kids will play as Smurfs, working together as a team to collect resources, build inventions, and locate missing Smurfs to help rebuild mushroom houses. Each Smurf has a unique set of skills that players can strategically use to outsmart Gargamel and his cat Azrael.
Designed for kids ages 7 and up, this game takes only 25-35 minutes to complete with 1-5 players, making it perfect for family game night.
More information about the game and the crowdfunding campaign will be available later this year. To stay up to date on the project, visit smurfshiddenvillage.com.
The new Tamagotchi Uni from Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America is a “unique, united, and universal” device created for a new generation in the modern digital world. With this new spin on a familiar virtual pet and more than 20 characters to nurture — both fan-favorites and new ones — Tamagotchi aims to connect fans globally.
With Tamagotchi Uni, kids ages 6 and up can now play together through the Tamaverse, the metaverse of the Tamagotchi world. The Tamaverse includes Tama Arena, Tama Parties, Tama Fashion, and Tama Travel — expanding the fun on a global level. Kids can meet characters from around the world, sample global fashions, share their UniTama’s style, and go on globetrotting adventures with friends. Tamagotchi Uni features a unique experience for fans, including DIY activities, exploring with their Tamagotchi character, and an in-device social platform.
Tamagotchi Uni personalizes the virtual pet experience for fans with numerous character options, allowing Tamagotchi pets to have different looks, personalities, and hobbies. The ability to connect to Wi-Fi gives fans a chance to connect with friends, customize their characters in unique ways, and have access to downloadable content and updates. Fans can exchange items and even propose to each other!
The Tamagotchi Uni comes in purple or pink shells. | Source: Bandai Namco
Charli D’Amelio, TikTok sensation, entrepreneur, and TV star, is the global ambassador for Tamagotchi Uni. “I’m a huge Tamagotchi fan and I’m so excited to be able to partner with the brand to launch an all-new device designed for a new generation,” she says. “The Tamagotchi Uni is a whole new experience and gives fans the opportunity to customize the play in an exciting and interactive new way.” Later this month, Charli D’Amelio will kick off the global launch with a series of TikTok videos, Instagram content, press and interviews, and an exclusive media/influencer event preview in New York City.
Tamagotchi Uni is available in purple or pink shells with an included wearable wristband that kids can wear to take it from gaming to an accessory. Fans can choose their favorite styles from colored wristbands to lanyards.
Tamagotchi Uni is available now for preorder on Amazon and will launch at mass retailers beginning on July 15.
The new Tamagotchi Uni from Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America is a “unique, united, and universal” device created for a new generation in the modern digital world. With this new spin on a familiar virtual pet and more than 20 characters to nurture — both fan-favorites and new ones — Tamagotchi aims to connect fans globally.…
There’s a new drop of figures for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TNMT) fans. Cowabunga!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem from Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon Films, and Point Grey Studios is scheduled to hit theaters on Aug. 2, and Playmates Toys has revealed its lineup of detailed classic mutants and villains action figures inspired by the new film.
The fully articulated and poseable new Splinter, Superfly, Bebop, Rocksteady, and Leatherhead figures stand from 4 to 5 inches tall. Each figure comes with its own movie-inspired weapons, plus a separate rack of additional weapons and accessories. The new line captures the shades and shapes of the characters depicted in the film when an army of mutants is unleashed in New York.
As kids gear up for summer vacation, parents and other adults are preparing tons of ways to keep kids occupied while school is out of session. WarnerMedia has plans for a summer full of fun kids’ programming on Cartoon Network, Max, and Cartoonito.
Starting this week, two shows will begin airing new episodes on Cartoon Network. At 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays, kids can watch new episodes of Looney Tunes Cartoons, just like the adults in their life used to do. Cartoonito’s Bugs Bunny Builderswill premiere a new episode every Monday in June at 8:30 a.m.
Kids can also go back to Oscar and Hedgehog’s magical sleepaway camp with the first two seasons of Summer Camp Island, which will air every weekday in June. The rest of the show’s five seasons will air through the rest of the summer leading up to the premiere of the final season at the end of the summer. Check out the trailer for Summer Camp Islandbelow!
On June 17 at 10 a.m., kids can watch the Season 2 premiere of We Baby Bears! In the new episode, Panda, Grizz, and Ice Bear are heading on a new adventure with Polly the Pirate! In the new episode, “Polly’s New Crew,” the gang has to overcome a pirate’s curse. Five new episodes of We Baby Bears are premiering through July and will be available the next day on Max.
Finally, if kids don’t have cable, they can check out new episodes of Teen Titans Go!from Season 8starting on Wednesday, June 23.
While TV is only a small part of kids’ summer plans, they can still count down the days ‘til they can have fun with Cartoon Network’s content this summer!
The latest installment in the 5 Surprise series from ZURU is coming soon: 5 Surprise Mega Gross Minis. The new “gross” assortment of mini collectibles features parodies of familiar consumer products brands made gross.
Each mystery pack contains five barf-worthy surprises and is filled with gooey slime. Kids will find their favorite brands made into disgusting minis, such as McCavities Poop Paste, Starbarf Coffee, and more. There are more than 30 mini toys to collect, and once kids collect them all, they will discover rare toxic glow — scented and moldy minis that are not for the faint of heart.
Papa Vomito’s Pizza features gross eyeballs. | Source: ZURU
5 Surprise Mega Gross Minis will be available later this year. In the meantime, you can find other 5 Surprise collectibles, like Foodie Mini Brands, Mini Fashion, and other themed collectibles from ZURU, at major retailers now.
Disclaimer: Mega Gross Minis are solely a parody product of Zuru Inc., and are not manufactured, affiliated with, or endorsed by any other company.
Each slime-filled mystery pack contains five barf-worthy surprises. Familiar brands are turned into disgusting minis like McCavities Poop Paste, Starbarf Coffee, and more.
Summer is full of fun activities — week-long vacations, camps and sports, fun day trips, sleepovers, and new adventures. But the total spend of summer fun can sometimes tally up a little too high. But don’t worry: We’re here to help! We rounded up some of our favorite summer toys that are all under $35 to help you stay on budget, but not skimp on fun. Check them out below!
This reusable drawing kit comes with a traceable drawing tablet, 18 templates, two additional styluses, and a clear storage bag. Kids can slide the template behind the drawing tablet and start making art. Once they’re done, they can just push the button to erase the art and create again on a blank canvas.
JJ and his CoComelon friends join the Squishmallows Squad as squeezable, 10-inch, medium-size HugMees. These plush toys are made with soft, marshmallow-like material. There are six CoComelon characters to collect.
Turn back the clock with this retro musical toy! Toddlers can dance to the music along with the head-bobbing kitty. Kids will enjoy jazz, country, and rock ‘n’ roll style melodies, as well as “The Alphabet Song.”
Sourced from 100% recycled materials, each of these plush friends is crafted with recycled plush and fill and comes in sustainable packaging. Choose from Roise Bunny, Clove Bear, and Bay Puppy.
In this Super Mario Bros.-inspired game, players take turns sliding paddles into Mario’s pipe. When a player picks the correct slot to insert their paddle, Mario will bounce out of the pipe and that player wins the game.
Inside these colorful, plastic caboodles, kids will find the materials for one of six DIY crafts. Each craft kit creates a micro version of a popular crafting item, such as a lightbox, bath bombs, or a terrarium. Kids can also use the stackable caboodles for storage.
Get ready to uncurl the cuteness! These interactive plushies awaken with a tickle of their head, tummy, or nose with more than 50 sounds and reactions. Kids can choose from Bibi the Bunny, Higgle the Hedgehog, or Blue the Badger.
When kids place this figure on top of the Toniebox (sold separately), they can listen to 58 minutes of audio stories and songs from Disney's Encanto. The figure is modeled after Mirabel, the main character from the animated film.
Using the included 3D glasses and this picture book, kids can join their favorite Marvel characters on a 3D adventure. As kids try to uncover 100 hidden objects and characters in the book’s action-packed scenes, the glasses make the scenes appear to jump off the page.
These two double-sided boards cover four nature-themed breath patterns. Kids can use a finger to follow the breathing tracks or add multisensory elements to extend the fun, like pompoms or beans. While they follow the maze, they will learn different breathing techniques that encourage mindfulness, self soothing, and self-management skills.
Follow the color map to create pixelated unicorns, animals, or original designs. Each square absorbs ink from the included markers to color the designs. Create over and over again with the washable board.
Who needs wind? Kids can pull the Thumb Kites back and let them fly up to 65 feet through the air. This pack includes two durable, waterproof, and easy-to-launch kites for high-flying fun.
Get ready to be “moo-ved” by the captivating charm of Cows vs Aliens as they invade the world of collectibles this “Joo-n”! These adorable bean-filled plushies are more than just ordinary toys. With their brightly colored cow and alien designs, Cows vs Aliens are on a mission to captivate the hearts of collectors with their…
This collection features two series: Tropical Beach Babies and Tropical Shiny Shells. Each Beach Babies doll cries real tears and comes with more than eight surprises. Each Shiny Shells character is housed in a pearlescent capsule featuring surprise accessories hidden in a sand compound. The Shiny Shells dolls cry seafoam tears.
Adopt your Pudgy Penguins forever friend! Each of these 4.5 inch collectible figures come with interchangeable accessories and a redeemable code, unlocking digital penguin customization using trait boxes. You can obtain rare traits, have a unique Pudgy Penguin registered to your name on the blockchain, and trade traits on the Pudgy Penguin marketplace!
Kids can fly the Force Hover Drone without a remote control. The drone's smart sensors detect its surroundings, so kids can toss it into the air and control it with their hand movements.
Kids never have to worry about losing their water toys at the bottom of the pool again with the SwimWays Floating Figures. These 5-8-inch figures float on their own and will always stay upright, so kids don’t have to chase after them. Choose from Ariel, Batman, Joker, Gabby or Mercat from Gabby’s Dollhouse, or PAW…
Each capsule contains a figure, unique accessories, a background scene card, and a transforming, 360-degree display. Kids can solve the clues to reveal one of 14 characters in Series 1, including two rare chase characters.
This inflatable obstacle course is designed after a Monopoly board game. There are two ways to play: Obstacle Course or Mega Monopoly. It includes a storage bag, an air blower, inflatable stakes, repair patches, inflatable dice, and foam bills.
This fun Little Tikes Spiralin' Seas Waterpark kids' water table is loaded with features and ways to play. Kids can improve fine motor skills, sharing skills, and their imagination while having a splashing good time. Toddlers can watch as the water makes the wheels turn, or just splash around with the included outdoor water toys.…
Each translucent PVC Dry Float comes in fun color, and features a cup holder. Teens and adults can pick from three different styles that each offer different ways to sit and relax in the water.
Kids can launch the Shark Rocket up to 6 feet above the water and compete to see who can launch it the highest. Thanks to the hydrodynamic design, the Shark Rocket is pool-powered and requires no batteries. It is lightweight and easy to carry.
With the X-Shot Fast-Fill Hyperload kids can refill their blaster in just 1 second and get back to the water blaster action long before their opponents. Just dunk, fill, and close with rapid sealing technology. It shoots up to 33 feet with its 500ml water capacity tank!
This water blaster refills in a second, allowing kids to get back to the water-blasting action long before their opponents. Kids can simply open the blaster, dunk it underwater, let it fill, and close it back up, then pump to shoot water up to 30 feet.
Toy Insider Media Correspondent Deborah Stallings Stumm joined KTLA in Los Angeles to show off the best new toys to keep kids active and busy this summer. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the season, be sure to check out The Toy Insider’s Spring and Summer Gift Guide.
This American Girl-size replica of an authentic Jeni’s ice cream truck features a wood floor, wheels that roll and turn, working LED headlights, and a radio that plays two melodies. There’s also a scooping station, a storage freezer, pretend cones and ice cream pints, utensils, and a pretend phone with a card reader.
Kids can paint the cornhole boards with the included paint and brushes, then play the game with the included bean bags. When they’re ready for a redesign, kids can wipe the boards clean with a wet towel and paint them again.
This water game combines the classic Hungry Hungry Hippos game with outdoor fun. Players choose a hippo to feed and race to feed their hippo the fastest. The closer they get to their hippo, the more they’ll be sprayed. The first player to feed their hippo all three snacks wins.
Kids can energize their building experience with the Snap Circuits Light! Use imagination to combine Snap Circuits with LED lights and make endless combinations of construction and circuitry. With Snap Circuits Light, kids will explore fiber optics, LEDs, and more across 175 different projects. Great for summer learning!
Kids can touch each picture to hear the animal friends say toddler-appropriate words, along with facts and sound effects. In Fun Sounds Mode, kids can touch the light-up star button to hear two learning songs.
In this game, players shake the cup and slam it shut to reveal three letters, then quickly find a word that uses the three letters. Pass the cup to the next player who has to find a new word or they are out.
Each blaster in this set of two features a range of more than 500 feet and a built-in receiver. Players can light up their blasters with more than 20 different colors. Each blaster in this set of two features a range of more than 500 feet and a built-in receiver. Players can light up their…
Create endless Spirograph designs on the LED screens using the gear pieces. Kids can draw on-the-go or at home, then save and display their artwork. When playtime is over, they can push a button to reset the screen and create new designs.
You broke your butt. But, it’s okay. It happened to all of us. Maybe you sat on it too hard.
Regardless, your next step is to find a new one. Spin Master has just what families need to solve this problem with a new board game called I Need A New Butt. Inspired by Dawn McMillan’s hilarious, best-selling kids’ book of the same name, this 2-4 player game is perfect for families with kids ages 5 and up to have a night full of laughter and fun.
Upon opening the package, families will receive a game board, a Butt Popper with two dice inside, four Butt Movers (player tokens), 24 Butt Tiles to place on the board, 24 Butt Cheek Tiles, 24 Butt Cards, and four Butt Holders. As you can see, there are enough butts to go around, but the player with the most butts will reign victorious. The instruction pamphlet in the package will tell you everything you need to know to assemble your new gluteus maximus the fastest.
A sample of cards | Source: Spin Master
Butt Pooper | Source: Spin Master
I Need a New Butt | Source: Spin Master
Before the fun begins, players will have to pop out each of the Butt Tiles from the sheet provided with the game, then place each Butt Cheek Tile on top of the 24 spots around the board, put the Butt Popper in the middle, and you’re ready to go! Players can choose from four different color Butt Movers to navigate across the board: yellow, blue, red, and green.
Each player receives one Butt Holder to move around the board and two Butt Cards. Every Butt Card is worth a laugh with their funny names like “artsy-fartsy,” “robo-butt,” or “a butt with flair,” along with hilarious artwork from the book. The creativity shown in the stylistic drawings from McMillan’s work is certainly worth admiring.
Each Butt Card pairs with two Butt Cheek Tiles on the board. The objective is for players to find both tiles to match both of their cards. On each player’s round, they’ll press down on the Butt Popper and watch the dice inside roll: One die will showcase a color shown on the Butt Tiles, while another will indicate an action the player will take. There are three actions: direction, swap, and peek.
Say the dice roll reveals swap and blue — the player will move clockwise to the nearest blue spot. They’ll flip the Butt Tile over and collect it if it’s one they need (if not, they flip it back over.) This is standard for every move, but since the player rolls swap, they can swap any two Butt Tiles on the board. If a player rolled peak, they’ll do the same process, except instead of swapping tiles, they can take a peek at any Butt Tile on the board. Players that roll direction can move to the nearest color on the die in any direction of their choice. Once players find a Butt Tile that they need, they can place it on the Butt Holder. Once they have two sets of matching Tiles for their Butt Card, they win!
On top of the competitively fun tactic and actions, what makes I Need A New Butt such a great addition to family game night is sharing a laugh around the table at all the hilarious card names and art. Kids will definitely get a kick out of being able to say “butt” a bunch of times. So if you’re looking for a fun activity to get your kids in a cheerful, playful mood, I Need A New Butt could be just the game for you!
This 2-4-player card game is inspired by the best-selling book by Dawn McMillan and Ross Kinnaird. Players press the Butt Popper, then race around the board and match Butt Cards, like “rocket butt,” “robo butt,” and “paintball butt.” The first player to collect all of their matching butt cheeks wins the game.
Toy Insider Senior Editor Jackie Cucco joined CBS 2 in New York to show off great toy ideas for those planning a road trip with the kids and those looking to save money on the best new toys. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the season, be sure to check out The Toy Insider’s Spring and Summer Gift Guide.
This self-walking crab bubble machine moves side-to-side on its eight moving legs. Listen to fun underwater music as the machine dances back and forth, emitting a continuous stream of bubbles blowing from its mouth. The machine comes with a 4-oz bottle of bubble solution.
Young travelers can create while on the go with this portable, light-up art set. The glow screen and light wand make kids' drawings light up, and the artwork will disappear over time so kids can make something new.
Ready for an adventure? Go on a scavenger hunt, play a flashlight game, seek & find bugs, and more with the Junior Explorer Adventure Kit! With so much to find and learn, this exploring kit has all the adventure tools that kids will need to start exploring the great outdoors.
This eight-piece set features an 11-inch interactive Cream Puff stuffed animal and a glittery fashion backpack with all the tools kids need to play veterinarian. Kids can press Cream Puff’s paw to activate lights, puppy sounds, and Minnie Mouse phrases. Cream Puff’s nose lights up when she needs help to feel better, and kids can…
This Peppa Pig-themed Toniebox is a screen-free entertainment system designed to spark imagination in kids as they listen to stories, songs, and more. It comes with a Peppa Pig Tonie and is compatible with other character Tonies.
Toy Insider Media Correspondent Deborah Stallings Stumm joined Arizona’s Daily Mix on KZAT-TV to show off the best toys to keep kids entertained on long road trips this summer. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the season, be sure to check out The Toy Insider’s Spring and Summer Gift Guide.
Create endless Spirograph designs on the LED screens using the gear pieces. Kids can draw on-the-go or at home, then save and display their artwork. When playtime is over, they can push a button to reset the screen and create new designs.
In this game, players shake the cup and slam it shut to reveal three letters, then quickly find a word that uses the three letters. Pass the cup to the next player who has to find a new word or they are out.
Create, connect, and shine! Inspired by the classic ’80s Lite-Brite toy, this mini version comes with a 4-by-4-inch grid that connects to other Mini-X Connects for bigger and more innovative designs. Each set includes eight design templates and 170 colorful pegs that light up when kids tap them.
Scribble n' Play is a reusable kids' drawing tablet that is great at helping kids discover their creativity. A mess free alternative to scratch arts and crafts, the Scribble n' Play includes a long-lasting battery to remove the mess of plugs and chargers. This kids' drawing tablet features the revolutionary Colorburst display that lets kids…
Sourced from 100% recycled ABS plastic and packaged in 100% recycled cardboard, the new Re-Cube brings eco-friendly sustainability to the classic game that is challenging and perfectly sized for travel.
The H2OGO! Wonder Hoops Bounce Park is this summer's next craze. Parents will love the quick inflation and set up, as the included blower inflates the park in less than two minutes. Kids will love having a bounce park in their own backyard! Challenge family and friends to a gravity defying game of basketball as…
The 2023 Barbie Dreamhouse is the ultimate playset for kids to act out their greatest adventures! This year’s Dreamhouse has the tallest slide in the Barbie Dreamhouse series to-date, with a three-story spiral design for endless fun. The Dreamhouse also features more pet-friendly touches than ever before, including a puppy slide and pool, pet elevator,…
Create an endless amount of bubbles! Designed with fun styling and bold colors, this is sure to be a bubble blowing hit this summer. It's easy to use, just screw in the bubble solution and pull the trigger to blow a continuous streak of bubbles. Kids will love the fast bubble blowing action and parents…
Waddle Hip Hoppers are hoppers for ultimate bouncing fun! Kids can bounce around the lawn or room, joust with friends, enter wacky races, toss around for a crazy game of catch, or just use it as a seat in the sun. These colorful, large hoppers help kids develop balance and control, supporting up to 250…
No pickleball court? That won't be a problem with the Wild Sports® Driveway Pickleball Game Set! Just set up in your driveway and start playing whenever you want! The Fast Setup System will have you ready to go in no time, and takedown is just as quick. Heavy duty net can withstand the most intense…
Kids can experience the excitement of racing in their own neighborhood with this 36-volt, battery-powered go-kart. It is ergonomically designed with a low center of gravity and has high-grip front tires and slick rear wheels for drifting action. The kart has a safety flag and features three forward speeds: 5, 8, and 11 mph.
Inspired by the preschool series, PAW Patrol World recreates familiar scenes so families can play together an explore the streets of Adventure Bay, the towers of Barkingburg, Jake’s mountain, and the wild jungle.
The story follows Mayor Humdinger and his Kitten Catastrophe Crew’s plans to disrupt the PAW Patrol Day festival celebrations. Gamers can play as solo pup characters or two-person teams to save the day with daring rescues, exciting puzzles, and playful missions. Fans can switch between eight playable characters including Chase, Skye, Marshall, Rubble, Rocky, Zuma, Tracker, and Everest. Each pup is equipped with his or her own unique abilities and usable vehicles.
The world is filled with collectibles and secrets that unlock missions and progression items to customize characters and vehicles. Players can collect skins, emojis, and stickers through gameplay. Mayor Goodway has another surprise as part of the festival celebrations — a Chickaletta Art Exhibition — where players can unlock artwork to help her complete the art collection featuring her beloved chicken.
The game also features four special Flashback Missions in which players can relive iconic episodes as playable missions. Designed with little ones in mind, the game is equipped with intuitive controls so younger players can safely explore, play, and follow a mission.
Modern baking problems require modern baking solutions.
WobbleWorks, the maker of the world’s first 3D printing pen (3Doodler), has launched ChefDoodler, a pen that lets kids ages 8 and up draw in sugar, on Kickstarter. This cutting-edge culinary tool makes it fun and easy to turn sugar into beautiful, edible creations.
Traditional sugar sculpting methods are cumbersome, time-consuming, and dangerous. However, the Chefdoodler makes the process of working with sugar both exciting and easy by removing the most frustrating barriers to sugar work — heating, sugar stability, and working quickly before the sugar sets. Users can simply load the ChefDoodler with colorful sugar capsules, choose a speed setting, and start drawing eye-catching sweet treats in seconds. At-home bakers, parents, and foodies will enjoy using this pen in the kitchen, no matter their age or level of expertise.
Turn sugar into beautiful, edible creations with ChefDoodler. | Source: WobbleWorks
ChefDoodler uses isomalt, a sugar substitute that comes in six vibrant colors. All of the sugar capsules use natural coloring and no additional flavorings. The possible uses are endless: decorating in sugar, connecting pieces to form a sturdy structure, creating custom edible shapes, experimenting with stencils, elevating store-bought goodies, piecing together crumbling creations, or just having fun with the family.
ChefDoodler is available to preorder now on Kickstarter starting at $59.99 and will ship in October for international delivery if the project reaches its $50,000 backing goal by June 30. At the time of writing, the project has raised over $21,000 with more than 300 backers.
WobbleWorks, the maker of the world’s first 3D printing pen (3Doodler), has launched ChefDoodler, a pen that lets you draw in sugar, on Kickstarter. This cutting-edge culinary tool makes it fun and easy to turn sugar into beautiful, edible creations.
Embark on an adventure to search for the Golden City of El Dorado in a new game from Ravensburger!
Perfect for 2-4 players ages 10 and up, The Quest for El Dorado is a deck-building board game that encourages kids to assemble an expedition and lead it through the jungles of South America. The refreshed version features new art from the artist Vincent Dutrait, larger cards, and an in-game mini expansion.
Source: Ravensburger
Source: Ravensburger
Source: Ravensburger
The Quest for El Dorado comes with seven terrain tiles, two terrain strips, an ending tile, six blockages, eight playing pieces, four expedition boards, a starting player hat, a market board, 86 expedition cards, and 36 cave tokens. Kids will enjoy the strategy involved in this game, which changes each time they play. They need to have a good plan, expert explorers, and the right equipment to find the best route through the wilderness and win the race. Will they choose the scout, the photographer, or the prop plane?
Each game should take about 60 minutes, which makes it an excellent game for family game night. Plus, The Quest for El Dorado has a variable game board with more than 100,000 possible layouts and a deck-building strategy. This means kids can play the game as many times as they want with different results each time!
Kids can slip into the role of daring expedition leaders as they guide their team to the lost kingdom full of gold, jewels, and precious artifacts. The Quest for El Dorado is available on Amazon for $39.99.
Perfect for 2-4 players ages 10 and up, The Quest for El Dorado is a deck-building board game that encourages kids to assemble an expedition and lead it through the jungles of South America. The refreshed version features new art from the artist Vincent Dutrait, larger cards, and an in-game mini expansion.
GBH Kids is helping families celebrate Juneteenth with a fresh mystery podcast to teach young listeners about the holiday’s heritage.
In partnership with PRX and PBS Kids, Keyshawn Solves It follows the story of a 10-year-old detective on a mission to nail down the culprit behind the missing bikes of his north Minneapolis neighborhood. Kids ages 5-9 can embark on this mystery with Kewshawn just in time for his community’s big Juneteenth celebration. The young detective is joined by his friend Kiki as they use a set of old keys to solve this holiday mystery.
Put your detective hats on because Keyshawn's 10th birthday party takes a mysterious turn! Will Keyshawn solve the mystery of the disappearing bikes? Follow along and listen to KEYSHAWN SOLVES IT wherever you get your podcasts. pic.twitter.com/REjjLKAL2p
The new, 8-episode podcast series is part of GBH Kids’ initiative to share stories of diverse experiences. Throughout Keyshawn’s sleuthing adventures, kids will learn more about the origins of Juneteenth and valuable lessons about topics like self-worth, resilience, and community. GBH Kids has also offered beloved, produced children’s’ shows Arthur and Molly of Denali, as well as kids’ podcasts like The Creeping Hour, Pinkalicious & Peterrific, Molly of Denali, and The Arthur Podcast.
Crunchyroll and Jazwares are making young anime fans’ wishes come true. Coincidentally, they are also teaming up to make tons of new anime toys and collectibles. The collaboration will feature 18 popular anime series, including Attack on Titan, Chainsaw Man, Jujutsu Kaisen, My Hero Academia, and Spy X Family.
“Anime is a dynamic storytelling medium, spanning many genres from action to comedy to horror,” says Anna Songco Adamian, Vice President of Global Consumer Products for Crunchyroll. “We are so excited to work with our partners at Jazwares to deliver products that allow fans to celebrate their fandom from must-have collectibles to adorable plush, and in a wide array of categories and products that offer something for every kind of fan and demo, from kids to adults.”
“Jazwares continually provides a connective tissue between pop-culture, a passionate fandom and the creation of high-quality collectibles that are highly detailed sculpts and decos,” says Gerhard Runken, Senior Vice President of Brand and Marketing for Jazwares. “As long-time enthusiasts of the anime phenomenon, we are proud and ready to collaborate with Crunchyroll to give fans incredible experiences with collectible figures, plush, and other surprise-and-delight moments across multiple retail channels globally.”
Jazwares will turn Crunchyroll’s catalog into collectible figures, plush, playsets, costumes, vehicles, and more. The collection will start hitting shelves next summer. Kids will be counting down the days until they can get their hands on toys based on their favorite anime shows!
The latest group of Crayola-themed beaded bracelets is inspired by the Colors of Kindness crayons, a 24-pack of Crayola crayons with blue-and-purple packaging instead of Crayola’s usual yellow-and-green packaging. The crayons are meant to inspire kids to be thoughtful in art and in life.
The Crayola friendship bracelets are perfect for sharing! | Source: Little Words Project
The Colors of Kindness bracelet collection features six designs, each inspired by a different color scheme. The Just Peachy bracelet features peach and gold beads and says “Just peachy” with a peach-shaped bead separating the words! The Just Peachy bracelet matches perfectly with the Sunshine bracelet’s yellow and smiley face beads!
Cool (toned) kids can also get in on the action. The Lucky and Rise Above bracelets feature mint green and lavender beads. Kids who love all the colors can even get the Be Kind bracelet, which features a whole rainbow of beads! Each bracelet also comes with a code for kids to register it online. If they trade bracelets with their friends, they can reuse the codes to show the bracelets adventure in kindness!
The Colors of Kindness friendship bracelets are available at littlewordsproject.com for $25 each. Kindness is cuter than ever with these adorable bracelets!
It’s the silver anniversary of the Hess Mini Toy Truck series.
To commemorate 25 years, Hess Corp. has unveiled the release of a special edition 25th Anniversary Mini Toy Truck Collection for $34.99 with free standard shipping and Energizer batteries included. Customers will also be entered into the Silver Sweeps, in which 25 lucky winners will receive a rare silver-colored version of the Mini Collection. Click here for more details on the Silver Sweeps.
Hess 25th Anniversary Mini Toy Truck Collection | Source: Hess Corporation
First introduced in 1998, the annual release of the Hess Mini is a limited-production set of highly detailed, small-scale versions of classic holiday Hess Toy Trucks. This year, the special set pays tribute to three different Hess anniversary toys: the 2014 Hess Collector’s Edition Tanker celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Hess Toy Truck, the 2014 50th Anniversary holiday Toy Truck and Space Cruiser, and the 2018 Collector’s Edition First Hess Truck commemorating Hess Corporation’s 85th anniversary. This new four-in-one miniature toy set features 86 working lights, chrome accents, free-rolling wheels, detachable display bases with name plates, and silver foil-trimmed display packaging.
Looking ahead, a limited quantity Collector’s Edition toy will be released in September to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Hess Corporation. The newest annual holiday Hess Toy Truck will follow in October. More details will be announced later this year.
This year’s Mini Collection is available while supplies last at hesstoytruck.com.
First introduced in 1998, the annual release of the Hess Mini is a limited-production set of highly detailed, small-scale versions of classic holiday Hess Toy Trucks. This new four-in-one miniature toy set features 86 working lights, chrome accents, free-rolling wheels, detachable display bases with name plates, and silver foil-trimmed display packaging.
Chuck E. Cheese and his fellow performers are well-known for their music in the iconic restaurant, but the show is now hitting the road for a tour featuring a brand-new band member!
The Summer Concert Road Show is back for its third year of providing Chuck E. Cheese tunes to the public. The band will visit nine new cities to give every kid the chance to see their favorite mouse singing in person.
Chuck E. Cheese and his friends have a ton of songs to share! | Source: Chuck E. Cheese YouTube
The band is also getting a new member, already beloved by fans. Bella B. first appeared in Chuck E. Cheese content in 2018. She’s the first bilingual character in the Chuck E. Cheese brand and she both sings and raps in English and Spanish, teaching kids and her fellow bandmates about her language and culture.
The new tour will be stopping in nine cities this year, with dates and locations listed below:
June 9, 3 p.m. at 1120 Rte 1 North, Edison, New Jersey
June 9, 7 p.m. at 2700 US-22 #3A, Union, New Jersey
June 10, 3 p.m. at 139 Flatbush Ave., Floor 3, Brooklyn, New York
June 22, 7 p.m. at 13364 Montfort Dr., Dallas, Texas
June 24, 11 a.m. at 2755 E. Grapevine Mills Circle, Grapevine, Texas
June 24, 3 p.m. at 2760 W. I-20, Grand Prairie, Texas
June 29, 11 a.m. at 13101 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove, California
June 29, 3 p.m. at 5250 Philadelphia, Ste. K, Chino, California
June 29, 7 p.m. at 16920 Prairie Ave., Torrance, California
The tour will offer new merchandise to little concert-goers, with T-shirts and other apparel fit for the summer. Kids that can’t make it out to a show can still get their hands on some cool merch at the official Chuck E. Cheese online store.
Kids can get ready to enjoy some music and head down to their nearest Chuck E. Cheese tour location this June! Each show will feature a meet-and-greet with the cast after, so the biggest Chuck fans will have the chance to meet their favorite musical mouse star.
Toy Insider Editor-in-Chief Marissa Silva joined Wake Up with Cheddar to show of the best toys to keep kids entertained in the back seat that have zero screen time. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the season, be sure to check out The Toy Insider’s Spring and Summer Gift Guide.
This tiny, wooden version of a laptop and desk features a variety of interactive elements that babies and toddlers can use to develop fine motor skills while pretending to work from home like their parents. It has no detachable pieces and features a handle for on-the-go play.
Color Wonder offers a mess free, magic reveal coloring experience that keeps kids busy and engaged by the freedom to be creative, choose their colors, and design their own unique way. The new Color Wonder Foldalopes include Cocomelon and Spidey & His Amazing Friends. Holds everything in one place and features 18 themed coloring pages…
Kids can hear the satisfying click of beads as they use the stylus to pull them to the surface, push them back down, and draw again on this fun-shaped sensory toy. It features a backpack clip for on-the-go fidget fun. Kids can choose from avocado, cactus, or lightning bolt.
Each 1.18-inch doll comes in a flower capsule that opens to a personalized world with surprises to uncover and four activations specific to each character. Kids can use water to reveal a hidden flower. There are six characters to collect. This eco-friendly collection is made from plant-based materials.
The Toniebox is an imagination-building, screen-free, educational, digital listening experience speaker that plays stories, songs, and much more. The Sleepy Friends line is designed to foster undogmatic bedtime preparation for preschoolers. The Toniebox comes to life with the Sleepy Friends Sleepy Sheep Night Light, a large light-up Tonie that soothes kids to sleep with calmness,…
Thumb Kites are the new, easy way to fly kites this summer.
The High-Flying Thumb Kites from Buffalo Games’ Chuckle & Roar line are sure to be fun for the whole family. Unlike regular kites, thumb kites don’t require much skill, wind, or even string. Think of a slingshot, but instead of launching a ball, kids can easily catapult the kite itself and watch it soar. All you have to do is place the rubber band loop on the tip of your thumb, pull the kite back with your other hand, and let it fly!
These mini kites can soar up to 65 feet and come in a set of two, so kids ages 5 and up can play together. The resealable, sturdy, Ziploc-style packaging is easy to open and great for storage. The rules of flying safety are featured on the back of the package under “flight school” and include finding an area clear of hazards, pointing upward toward the sky and away from people, and lastly making sure the air is calm.
The thumb kites are space-themed for a flying adventure. | Source: Chuckle & Roar
The space-themed designs with colorful tassels are perfect for any flying adventure, and the thick, waterproof, polyester fabric makes the kites super durable, but soft enough so kids won’t hurt themselves. They can bend without snapping, withstand tree branches without tearing, and even accidentally land in the pool or a puddle. The reinforced tip doesn’t get banged up when it lands on the ground so these mini kites can last all summer long.
They are lightweight and small enough to fit in backpacks so kids can take them to the beach, the park, or a friend’s house, and they are affordable and also make great party favors. Plus, there are additional benefits for little ones: The kites encourage active play while the use of thumbs helps with the development of fine motor skills.
Although the thumb kites are recommended for ages 5 and up, older kids and adults can also enjoy engaging in friendly competitions, whether it’s competing to fly your kite furthest or doing cool tricks like boomerangs.
High-Flying Thumb Kites are an easy, safe, hassle-free way for kids to get active and spend time outside this summer.
Who needs wind? Kids can pull the Thumb Kites back and let them fly up to 65 feet through the air. This pack includes two durable, waterproof, and easy-to-launch kites for high-flying fun.
The wait is over: Mattel has finally dropped its Barbie: The Movie collection. The collection features dolls with tons of cute outfits directly from the screen, as well as vehicles, collectibles, and more.
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
There are four Barbies inspired by Margot Robbie’s version of Barbie in the collection. One of the more affordable options is the Pink Gingham Dress Barbie for $25, featuring a classic A-line dress with a sparkly belt, a daisy necklace and bracelet, and pastel pink pumps.
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
There are more deluxe dolls for $50 each, including Barbie flashing back to the ‘70s with a gold disco jumpsuit. Of course, a ‘70s disco ‘fit would be incomplete without the big hair and matching metallic jewelry and heels. Barbie embodies cowgirl chic in her pink western outfit featuring a matching vest and V-waist flare jeans, complete with embroidery and silver buttons; cream-and-gold cowboy boots; a cowboy hat; and a bandana around her neck. Pastel plaid is the star of the show with a Barbie that comes in a matching jacket and skirt. Her outfit is complete with a matching hat that ties in the back, pearl drop earrings, and baby blue heels!
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
If these four outfits aren’t enough for you, you can also get the Barbie: The Movie Fashion Pack for $50. The set features three adorable outfits, including a matching gingham shirt, shorts, and a sunhat; a blue-and-white sundress; and a pastel pink sleep set. Each outfit comes with matching accessories, including jewelry and shoes.
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
Where there is a Barbie, there is also a Ken! There are three Kens in the new collection. One Ken is ready for the beach with a matching blue-and-pink striped button down and shorts for $25; another wears a Canadian tuxedo for $50 with a matching denim vest and jeans (plus, Ken-brand underwear showing out of the waistband of his jeans); and Simu Liu’s Ken for $50 — wearing a clean white tracksuit with a twist! The tracksuit features gold sleeves, leg stripes, and a K on the front. The outfit even has a working zipper and real pockets.
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
To round off the collection of dolls, there are two other Barbies. The president is looking positively regal in a satin off-the-shoulder gown. For $50, this doll looks ready to lead in her presidential sash, complete with golden tassels and a fancy necklace. Finally, girls from the human world can be dolls, too! Gloria (also $50) is wearing a Barbie-inspired outfit, including hot pink pants, a blouse, and a blazer with gold hoops and matching heels!
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
Barbie’s iconic pink Corvette is also hitting shelves. Barbie dolls can drive around Barbie Land in the full-size Corvette for $75, which seats up to four dolls and has rolling wheels, working doors, and a steerable wheel! Kids can even drive the Corvette with the Hot Wheels RC version for $55, which fits two dolls and has space for accessories in the trunk! The Corvette can reach up to five miles per hour. Kids can also get together some pocket change and get the Hot Wheels 1:64 die-cast car for only $1.25.
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
Source: Mattel
Even if kids aren’t huge fans of Barbie dolls, they won’t be able to deny that the Barbie Little People are adorable! The $24 set comes with four Little People: Barbie, Ken, President Barbie, and Gloria! Plus, who is Barbie without her Dreamhouse? Mattel’s MEGA Dreamhouse features three stories complete with a kitchen, a bar, a bedroom, a spa, and more! With more than 1,000 pieces in the set, the Dreamhouse is full of MEGA fun for $150. Finally, the competition is on for UNO fans with the UNO Barbie: The Movie edition for $6.49! The set features cards with Barbies and Kens galore! There is even a special card — the “Played with too much” card — that players can use to discard and draw cards!
Whether kids are a Barbie girl in their Barbie world or *just Ken,* they won’t want to miss Mattel’s Barbie: The Movie collection. Everything in the collection is available now at shop.mattel.com.
Toy Insider’s Chief Toy Officer Laurie Schacht joined The Weather Channel to show off the best new toys to turn your background into the ultimate playground. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the season, be sure to check out The Toy Insider’s Spring and Summer Gift Guide.
Who needs wind? Kids can pull the Thumb Kites back and let them fly up to 65 feet through the air. This pack includes two durable, waterproof, and easy-to-launch kites for high-flying fun.
Each blaster in this set of two features a range of more than 500 feet and a built-in receiver. Players can light up their blasters with more than 20 different colors. Each blaster in this set of two features a range of more than 500 feet and a built-in receiver. Players can light up their…
Designed with a print of string lights, a window, and plants with blue accents and pink stripes throughout. Features a play lantern and a pretend campfire that lights up. Role-play with the included marshmallows, roasting sticks, graham crackers, and chocolate- enough to make two play s'mores! Includes a campfire, a lantern, two chip magazines, two…
Climb into the coolest backyard hangout in town – the H2OGO! HydroHangout Mega Water Park! From the shaded clubhouse to the twisty, slippery slide with dedicated sprayer, kids can splash, play and then climb up the safe, durable climbing wall featuring grab handles and footholds. Or, they can soak in the large splash pool, and…
Chick-fil-A’s latest partner for kids meal toys is focusing on diverse fun!
Upbounders is a woman-owned and minority-founded company that makes toys that help kids disconnect from screens and get in touch with playmates! Some of their products include puzzles, board books, card games, and more!
From now until June 17, Upbounders toys will be available in Chick-fil-A kids’ meals! Kids can find one of five different toys in their meals. While they’re snacking on their chicken nuggets, kids can play with a double-sized, 12-piece puzzle; a carousel-themed memory card game; a puzzle made out of stickers; a poster made out of stickers; or postcards that kids can decorate with stickers of people, props, and more!
Upbounders' toys help kids unplug! | Source: Upbounders
Upbounders' toys help kids unplug! | Source: Upbounders
Upbounders' toys help kids unplug! | Source: Upbounders
Upbounders' toys help kids unplug! | Source: Upbounders
Upbounders' toys help kids unplug! | Source: Upbounders
Upbounders’ toys feature kids of various skin tones, so every kid feels represented when they’re playing. For example, one of the postcards included in the Chick-fil-A collection features a Black-owned barber shop and people of all colors jamming out in a band together.
If kids can’t get enough of the Upbounders toys at Chick-fil-A, the company is also hosting a giveaway that adults can enter to win a bundle of Upbounders toys! Each bundle features a different theme, including the joyful carousel, the barber shop, and more. To enter the giveaway, head to upbounders.com/prizedraw.
Add some magic to your LEGOs with the newest Harry Potter sets!
LEGO is no stranger to the wizarding world, with plenty of sets available for every little Harry Potter fan. These new launches are the perfect addition to any growing collection, with everything from favorite characters to exciting locations. Little wizards will delight in LEGO building as they wait for their Hogwarts letter. With a ton of new sets launching on June 1, and even more heading to stores after that, any kid that loves spells and construction play will be in LEGO heaven.
The Battle of Hogwarts (Ages 9+, $79.99) | Source: LEGO
Hogwarts Express Train Set with Hogsmeade Station (Ages 8+, $129.99) | Source: LEGO
The Hogwarts Express Train Set with Hogsmeade Station provides two iconic locations from the Harry Potter films and books! Kids can take their favorite characters to Hogwarts by train, or have a fun school vacation at Hogsmeade. But there might be trouble brewing at Hogwarts! The final battle scene of the series is captured with the Battle of Hogwarts Set. The set features 730 pieces and comes with six minifigures. Both sets are releasing on June 1.
What Hogwarts collection is complete without some Quidditch? The favorite sport of the wizarding world is compact and easy to play with in the Quidditch Trunk set. The set is 599 pieces and includes three different games to play. For some epic spell-casting, LEGO is also launching the Expecto Patronum set, which kids can build either as Harry Potter’s stag Patronus or Professor Remus Lupin’s wolf Patronus. Both of these sets are also releasing on June 1.
Harry Potter and Cho Chang (Ages 10+, $19.99) | Source: LEGO
New BrickHeadz are also launching on June 1 to complete any little Harry Potter fan’s collection of characters! These combo packs feature Harry Potter and Cho Chang, Draco Malfoy and Cedric Diggory, and Kingsley Shacklebolt and Nymphadora Tonks.
Dobby the House-Elf (Ages 8+, $34.99) | Source: LEGO
Finally, there’s even more to look forward to in the future! An adorable Dobby the House Elf build is coming soon, with no release date announced just yet. Additionally, a huge 834-piece set featuring Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes found on Diagon Alley is also on the way.
Whether kids want some new BrickHeadz or a whole landscape of exciting locations from the Harry Potter world, there’s a set coming that’ll be perfect for their next building project! Look for most of these sets on lego.com and at major retailers this June.
Lovevery’s Montessori Play Kits focus on appropriate development for kids up to 3 years old. Every two or three months, a new kit gets delivered to subscribers’ doorsteps. Each kit focuses on a different form of development as kids get older, from sensory toys for babies and puzzles and imaginary play-based toys for toddlers. Now, Lovevery is introducing kits designed for 4-year-old kids.
These new kits focus on expanding kids’ executive function, including working memory, flexible thinking, and impulse control. Kids’ first significant development in executive function happens around the age of 4, making it the perfect time for them to explore one of the Lovevery kits.
Lovevery's play kits focus on appropriate developmental play! | Source: Lovevery
Lovevery's play kits focus on appropriate developmental play! | Source: Lovevery
Lovevery's play kits focus on appropriate developmental play! | Source: Lovevery
Each kit targets a different part of executive functioning: The Connector focuses on flexible thinking, The Examiner on critical thinking, The Persister on frustration tolerance, and The Planner on planning ahead. Each kit comes with a book that encourages social emotional learning, as well as content for adults and a play guide.
With another year of Lovevery toys in their collection, 4-year-old kids will be a step ahead of their peers as they continue to develop their executive functioning skills early!
Some fidget toys just aren’t meant to come on the road with kids. However, hand2mind’s latest social-emotional learning toy is designed to travel with kids wherever they go!
Designed for kids ages 3 and up, hand2mind’s Worry Stone Pals Sensory Wristband is a collection of sensory toys that kids can use to fidget and self soothe while keeping their hands free.
Perfect for school and other public interactions, the Worry Stone wristband is a plastic band that fits around a kid’s wrist. It is fully adjustable and can even fit older kids. The band comes with four swappable stones that each feature different textures, so kids can choose what soothes them the most. Each stone also features its own character with a personality, including Moog, Welli, Squip, and Brongo. Each monster focuses on a different personality trait that can help with big feelings, such as bravery or strength. Kids can learn about each monster and what they help confront using the included character cards, which even include the characters’ birthdays!
The Worry Stone Pals are great for soothing at home or on the go! | Source: hand2mind
The Worry Stone Pals are great for soothing at home or on the go! | Source: hand2mind
Kids may need help getting the wristband tight enough, but the stones snap into the wristband and are easy to switch out or flip over to reveal the character beneath.
Kids will enjoy the tactile experience of rubbing and playing with the worry stones, while learning about the stones’ fun personalities will help expand kids’ understanding of difficult emotions. Adults will like that the worry stones aren’t toys in the traditional sense. While fidget toys that involve play can be helpful, they also have their time and place — especially if they make noise. The quiet, hands-free worry stones are less likely to become a distraction in focused environments. The set also comes with a parents’ guide full of tips and activities for using the stones to help kids explore their emotions in healthy ways. For example, you can prompt kids to figure out which character is best to support them in different situations.
At the end of the day, kids can display their wristband and worry stones on the included display stand, which features special places for the wristband and each of the worry stones.
The wristband looks like a watch, which is perfect considering all the time kids will spend soothing themselves with it. From playtime to school to road trips, the Worry Stone Pals Sensory Wristband will always be close by and ready for soothing and fidgeting!
Each Sensory Wristband comes with four removable worry stones, each with a character that highlights positive learning traits. Kids can pop the double-sided disks into the soft plastic wristband for a discreet, tactile approach to focusing their attention, calming their nerves, and managing stress throughout the day.
This classic game of catch will give you all the nostalgic feels this summer with a retro edition of Frisbee that measures 9 inches in diameter and 141 gram weight.
The Slip ‘N Slide is the original backyard water slide, and this classic edition looks just like the original. Kids can enjoy retro-style fun in the sun with this 19-foot water slide.
This Superball is packed with 50,000 pounds of compressed energy that gives it the ability to bounce higher than any other ball. The look, feel, and bounce you remember from the ‘60s makes this a nostalgic staple.
Kids are ready for summer vacation and so is Bandai Namco! The three new Tamagotchi shells that just came out are perfect for kids who are ready to have fun this summer.
Designed for kids ages 8 and up, Tamagotchis are handheld, digital pets that come in egg-shaped shells. Kids take care of their digital pets by feeding them, disciplining them, and playing games! Featuring the original programming from 1997, the Original Tamagotchis also feature mini games, including number games and more.
There are three new Tamagotchi shells that just launched: Berry Delicious, Kuchipatchi Comic Book, and Starry Shower. Each shell is full of summer vibes that kids and nostalgic adults alike can appreciate.
Summer vacation isn't complete without the new Tamagotchi shells! | Source: Bandai Namco
Summer vacation isn't complete without the new Tamagotchi shells! | Source: Bandai Namco
Summer vacation isn't complete without the new Tamagotchi shells! | Source: Bandai Namco
The Berry Delicious shell is almost as sweet as biting into a cool strawberry on a hot summer day. The shell is light pink and features strawberries, blueberries, and pink macarons. The Kuchipatchi Comic Book shell features lime green, pink, and orange colors that are both tropical and in your face! Finally, you or the kids in your life can throw back to camping underneath the stars with the Starry Shower shell, featuring a midnight blue color with a gold moon and stars shining down.
The new Tamagotchi shells are currently available for preorder on Amazon for $19.99 each and are expected to ship at the end of June, just in time for summer!
ZURU, known for its collectible Mini Brands as well as the X-Shot Blasters, is releasing a new series of blasters this July, guaranteed to bring novelty to any battle. The X-Shot Insanity range includes four blasters, all inspired by blaster modifications people seek online.
X-Shot Insanity Berzerko | Source: ZURU
X-Shot Insanity Manic | Source: ZURU
X-Shot Insanity Mad Mega Barrel | Source: ZURU
X-Shot Insanity Motorized Rage Fire | Source: ZURU
The X-Shot Insanity Manic, X-Shot Insanity Bezerko, the X-Shot Insanity Mad Mega Barrel, and the X-Shot Insanity Motorized Rage Fire are all a part of the new collection. The Manic holds up to 24 darts, the Berzerko holds 48 darts, and both the Mad Mega Barrel and the Motorized Rage Fire hold 72 darts. The Motorized Rage Fire is the largest and will be ZURU’s first motorized blaster, giving kids the power to defeat any enemy with foam darts blasting at speeds never seen before. And if that wasn’t enough, kids can combine all four blasters to form a huge blaster toy with a 121-dart capacity and storage for up to 224 darts.
ZURU has a number of other lines with customization and features designed to innovate on the classic blaster toy. The X-Shot Skins feature detailed designs that kids can use to customize X-Shot blasters with graphics featuring zombies, dragons, and more; the X-Shot Dino Attack blasters are made to fend off dinosaurs; and the X-Shot Excel series features interchangeable attachments and quick-firing abilities.
The newest X-Shot Insanity line of blasters will be available on July 31, so kids that are eager to bring the next greatest blaster to the battlefield can head to their nearest ZURU retailer this summer.
In the words of the great RuPaul: “Reading is WHAT?” “FUNDAMENTAL!”
As a card-carrying library enthusiast, I can say that the first time I saw Foxmind‘s new By the Book game, my heart lit up. This is a super cute stacking puzzle game that challenges book lovers to put together a perfectly balanced bookshelf for a furry friend while using a good dose of reasoning. But these aren’t your run-of-the-mill, color-coordinated built-ins you see scrolling #BookTok — organizing these shelves take a little more flair.
Players will choose a challenge card, place one of the shelves on a leveled surface, then place the books indicated on their card onto the shelf. Once those are in place, they put the other shelf on top and check with the included level — aesthetically disguised as a flower pot — to see if the top shelf is completely balanced. Don’t worry if you get stuck though: Each challenge card has a possible solution on the back to help you out.
But wait, there’s more to your stacking challenge! A couple of rules make the challenges a bit trickier: at least two books have to be touching the top shelf, sometimes the books must be horizontal or vertical according to the card, etc. If the clever cat is on the player’s challenge card, they have to place it on one book and between two others — that sneaky pal is just trying to snuggle in for a bookshelf nap.
All of the book pieces are cute; they’re durable and sturdy for stacking, but also painted in a rainbow of colors so your shelf is the ultimate library goals. The 12 books are all different sizes, making each challenge a bit different every time you play. The challenge cards are four levels of difficulty, so kids can master each level before they move on to the next. What’s especially great about this game is that kids can play solo, or they can race and time each other to play together. If they’re not the competitive type, they can also work together to figure out the solution.
As the box says, this game truly is a “novel stacking puzzle.” It’s a really unique game of balance and stacking with a very appealing aesthetic that also makes it cute to display when you’re not playing. All of this packed into one game is sure to guarantee it tops the best-sellers list!
In this single-player game, kids will draw one of 40 challenge cards indicating which books they must use and how many of those books they must place horizontally. Then they will try to build a balanced bookshelf following that prompt.
Toy Insider Editor-in-Chief Ali Mierzejewski joined Today with Jenna & Hoda to show off hot new toys to kick off the best summer ever this Memorial Day weekend. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the season, be sure to check out The Toy Insider’s Spring and Summer Gift Guide.
Kids can make frozen sweet treats right at home with this countertop ICEE Slushie Machine. It looks and operates just like the ones in stores and uses simple household ingredients.
Step right up and take a chance on this classic game of luck and skill. Bring the Flybar FunPark Giant Inflatable Ring Toss Game to your backyard. Set a starting mark, ring a bottle and score! Perfect for the whole family, this game is 3 feet tall, sets up in minutes, and provides hours of…
Kids can pretend to cook a variety of barbecue favorites with this grill playset, which features a smoker box and a pizza oven along with features like turnable dials. The set includes more than 60 accessories and play food pieces, which all store inside the grill when play is done. This product will be available…
Create an endless amount of bubbles! Designed with fun styling and bold colors, this is sure to be a bubble blowing hit this summer. It's easy to use, just screw in the bubble solution and pull the trigger to blow a continuous streak of bubbles. Kids will love the fast bubble blowing action and parents…
Master the thrill of the ride with the Rollplay Nighthawk 12V Ride-On! Reaching forward speeds of up to 6.5 miles per hour, this innovative ride-on is sure to be a hit with thrill-seekers. Start and stop pedals allow the rider to control the speed of the Nighthawk with ease. Kids will love learning how to maneuver around obstacles…
This wearable summer game includes two giant sumo waist belts. Kids can bump into one another just like sumo wrestlers with the inflatable belly bouncers. The 10-foot base arena is a sprinkler that hooks up to a hose to spray kids with water as they battle for a winner.
Toy Insider Media Correspondent Deborah Stallings Stumm joined Fox 11 in L.A. to show off the hot toys kids will be asking for this summer. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the season, be sure to check out The Toy Insider’s Spring and Summer Gift Guide.
Kids will follow the guides and use the included gemstone stickers on the pre-printed templates to create suncatcher window decor. They can choose from Flower, Garden, Aquarium, Rainbow, and Unicorn designs, each sold separately.
Players use a fishing pole to catch nine telescoping fish. Then, they use the measuring tape on their catch to explore the correlation between size and measurement and the concept of small, medium, and large.
Fill this plastic pad with water, and seat kids inside or around the edge. An adult can attach a hose to activate a built-in sprinkler, and there are multiple beach-themed accessories kids can use to interact with the water. The set also folds for easy storage.
Kids pretend they are working in the yard just like grown-ups with this officially licensed John Deere bubble mower that features mechanical gear sounds and rugged tires. Kids will enjoy a stream of bubbles as they push the mower. The machine comes with a 4-oz bottle of bubble solution.
NERF Elite Junior blasters are lightweight, fit comfortably in small hands, and feature a front-loading design that makes it easy to insert darts. The Starter Set includes two blasters with an oversized aimer for easy targeting and 15 NERF Elite darts.
Tired of picking up the tiny pieces after a water balloon fight? Wishing to give your fingers a break from tying so many balloons? Reusable Sponge Balls get soaked, tossed, and stored away to use again and again. Not to mention, they are so much softer!
As much as kids love running around, playing, and enjoying their summer vacations, they can start to lose some of the important skills they learned during the school year. eeBoo’s new educational toys will refresh kids’ memories before heading back to the classroom in the fall.
eeBoo's preschool toys focus on fine motor skills and emotional learning! | Source: eeBoo
eeBoo's preschool toys focus on fine motor skills and emotional learning! | Source: eeBoo
eeBoo's preschool toys focus on fine motor skills and emotional learning! | Source: eeBoo
eeBoo has products for school kids ranging from preschool through the later elementary school years. For preschoolers, eeBoo focuses on creativity, practically, and social-emotional learning. The Shark Biggies and Sketch Book ($17.99) is a shark-themed sketchbook featuring silver-striped, chunky pencils to inspire creativity while making drawing easy on little hands. The Woodland Friends Lacing Cards ($21.99) help kids practice hand-eye coordination and motor skills while helping cute little animals dress up! Adults can help kids focus on themselves using the Anytime Centering Cards ($17.99), which focus on sensory cues, deep breathing, and visualization to relax.
eeBoo's elementary school toys focus on learning and creativity! | Source: eeBoo
eeBoo's elementary school toys focus on learning and creativity! | Source: eeBoo
eeBoo's elementary school toys focus on learning and creativity! | Source: eeBoo
eeBoo's elementary school toys focus on learning and creativity! | Source: eeBoo
eeBoo's elementary school toys focus on learning and creativity! | Source: eeBoo
For gradeschoolers, eeBoo has three educational puzzles. The Alphabet Train Ready to Learn Puzzle ($21.99) helps kids learn about upper and lower case letters; the Solar System and Beyond Puzzle ($19.99) teaches kids about planets, space telescopes, space shuttles, and more; and the Human Anatomy Puzzles ($23.99) feature four puzzles exploring the different body systems! The elementary school collection also features 100 double-sided colored pencils ($29.99) for young artists, and conversation cards ($13.99) that kids can use to explore difficult topics and learn to read social cues.
Top Ramen is a classic comfort food shared by sick kids and college students alike. Now, Anirollz is combining it with its iconic plush toys to make plush animal characters with a ramen twist.
There are three Top Ramen Anirollz: the blue Top Ramen Soy Sauce Owlyroll, the red Top Ramen Beef Flavor Bunniroll, and the yellow Top Ramen Chicken Flavor Chickiroll. Each 6-inch plush characters features the animal and a “blanket,” a plush cup that the animal can sit inside! The animals inside the Top Ramen cups include an owl, a bunny, and a chick, while the blankets look just like the iconic Top Ramen soup cups, complete with noodles dribbling out the sides!
The Top Ramen Anirollz are oodles of fun! | Source: Anirollz
Nissin isn’t the first company that Anirollz has collaborated with. Other Anirollz plush collections include ICEE, Crayola, SPAM, Dippin’ Dots, and Hershey!
Whether ramen noodles are a mealtime staple or the occasional comfort food, the Top Ramen Anirollz are perfect gifts for both little soup-lovers and ironic college students, and everyone in between. They are available for $14.49 each at anirollz.com.
Summertime is finally here! That means kids are out of school — and you’re definitely looking for something to keep them busy and maybe even to get them to step away from their screens for a few hours. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite picks for outdoor summer fun this year that are sure to get the whole family outside and moving. Check them all out below!
This self-walking crab bubble machine moves side-to-side on its eight moving legs. Listen to fun underwater music as the machine dances back and forth, emitting a continuous stream of bubbles blowing from its mouth. The machine comes with a 4-oz bottle of bubble solution.
In this active game, the “it” player reads aloud the Category Card, then players shout answers as they run to save themselves from losing a wristband. They have to think fast with words that belong to different categories like animals, phonics clues, geography, and more. The player that collects all of the wristbands wins the…
Keep cool all summer long with these Pokémon pool floats, which make for the perfect poolside selfie moment. Choose from fan-favorite Pokémon such as Water-type Pokémon Magikarp and Mantyke.
Fill this plastic pad with water, and seat kids inside or around the edge. An adult can attach a hose to activate a built-in sprinkler, and there are multiple beach-themed accessories kids can use to interact with the water. The set also folds for easy storage.
This set comes with a shovel, a trowel, a rake, and a watering can made with sustainable bamboo and long-lasting metal for little gardeners. It also includes two bamboo labels so kids can mark what they planted.
This classic first ride features low, steady wheels that grip the sidewalk combined with Big Wheel’s signature spin out capabilities and its fast-action pedal power.
Kids can enter through the Jurassic World gates to enjoy a bouncing area, a basketball hoop, a water slide, a water misting system, and more. The Jurassic World dinosaur pop-ups help guide kids down the slide and into the pool area. Up to three kids can bounce at a time.
Kids can fill and tie over 100 tropical party-color water balloons in less than a minute. These self-sealing water balloons feature innovative O-ring technology and rapid fill capabilities. Kids can simply connect each bunch to a tap or a hose, fill, and make dozens of water balloons at once.
Kids can sit under the shaded canopy, cool off under the water sprayer, and climb up the climbing wall in this mega water park. When it’s too cold for the water features, kids can use the park without them for year-round play.
This water game combines the classic Hungry Hungry Hippos game with outdoor fun. Players choose a hippo to feed and race to feed their hippo the fastest. The closer they get to their hippo, the more they’ll be sprayed. The first player to feed their hippo all three snacks wins.
This motorized ride-on is made for younger, novice riders, and has safety features such as a slow-start throttle and built-in parental speed controls, which allow caregivers to use a separate key to lock in the Weeler’s top speed to a certain limit up to 10 mph. These safety features help prevent accidental launches and reduce…
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world and now tweens can get in on the fun. This lightweight set includes two paddles with safety straps, two pickleballs, an instruction sheet, and a drawstring bag for easy storage and transport.
Kids can race to the finish line with the 16" Dynacraft Hot Wheels Boys' Bike with Rev Grip. This eye-catching bike will win first place in style with the vibrant blue frame adorned with custom Hot Wheels graphics and bright orange, silver and black details. Sturdy BMX frame is built to last, the all-terrain tires…
Kan Jam is a popular competitive team game similar to cornhole, washer toss, and horseshoes. Featuring an LED Flying Disc and Multi-Color Light-Up Goals for illuminated night time play. Players must take turns throwing and deflecting the flying disc across the yard, beach, or park at the goal to win.
This professional-quality pogo stick designed for kids features adjustable air spring technology. By adding or removing air, kids can create a softer or stiffer spring. The fully adjustable pogo stick can hold 40-180 pounds, and can jump up to 5 feet high.
Perfect for the beach, park, and fun on the go. Has 30+ UPF protection. Features bright graphics of kids’ favorite characters. Includes sand anchors to keep the tent in place. Equipped with a portable carrying bag. Just pop up and go!
Styled to look just like a real Jeep Wrangler 4xe hybrid, this tough-looking vehicle will take kids on driving adventures that include realistic driving sound effects and a cool working light bar. This battery-powered toy drives in two speeds (forward and reverse) for flexible play on both hard surfaces and grass.
Gardening is a great activity to do as a family. It gets everyone up, outside, and — something we know kids already love — sticking their hands in the dirt. And while watching kids pull on adult-size gardening gloves is for sure one of the cutest things in the world, if you want them to really get into the gardening game, a set of kid-size tools is just the thing to ensure success.
Hape’s Gardening Tool Set comes with a gorgeous green shovel, rake, trowel, and watering can perfectly sized for kids ages 4 and up. The best part about this set is that even though it’s designed for kids, these are real, effective gardening tools. Everything is made from eco-friendly, sustainable bamboo and long-lasting metal. Kids can get real work done in the garden, helping plant beautiful flowers, dig up weeds, and more. And while they are super sturdy, they are not pointy and are safe for younger kids to use.
The Hape Gardening Tool Set is perfect for multi-generational play and making family memories. | Source: Hape
The tools work well in dirt, soil, and even sand, so kids can bring these over to the beach or the sandbox when their flower beds are all picture perfect. The set also includes two bamboo labels, so kids can mark what they’ve planted and come back to track the growth.
This set is genuinely built to last. I love that all of the tools fit neatly inside the watering can, which kids can use over and over again to give their plants some much-needed H20. The tools will help inspire an interest in nature and botany, while also helping families connect and make lasting memories together.
Hape’s Gardening Tool Set encourages kids to get active, get involved in some meaningful family time, and learn a little bit about the world around them, all at an affordable price point. Consider this one a summer must-have.
This set comes with a shovel, a trowel, a rake, and a watering can made with sustainable bamboo and long-lasting metal for little gardeners. It also includes two bamboo labels so kids can mark what they planted.
What’s black and yellow and looks fast while standing still?
If you answered the LEGO Technic Bugatti Bolide, you would be correct!
As a new generation of kids discovers the high-speed world of motorsports, the urge to learn more about the vehicles on the track may spark an interest in building one. For kids ages 9 and up, the latest Bugatti in the LEGO Technic fleet should do the trick by presenting a challenging and rewarding build that looks great for play and display.
A rewarding build for face fans | Source: The LEGO Group
This 905-piece construction set is inspired by the European supercar as it appears in the CSR Racing mobile game. Kids can crack open the box and discover everything they need to build the iconic vehicle, complete with a highly detailed W16 engine that features moving parts. The Bolide also has working steering and scissor doors and comes with stickers to add true-to-life graphics to the car for a finishing touch.
Adding a little technology into the mix, kids can use the LEGO Builder app to view assembly instructions in 3D or to track their progress with the build. Once completed, the LEGO Technic Bugatti Bolide measures 12 inches long and stands a sleek 3 inches high.
This ride is one of those prime examples of something that looks fast even while standing still. | Source: The LEGO Group
LEGO Technic sets like this one are a fantastic introduction to engineering and a perfect bridge between the sets for younger kids and those for adult builders. For tweens developing the “need for speed,” the Bugatti Bolide is a worthy point of entry to a much bigger (and faster) world!
Kids can build their own race car model with this LEGO Technic Bugatti Bolide toy set. With this challenging project, kids can craft a car with true-to-life details, including a working W16 engine, steering, and scissor doors. The car features a yellow and black color scheme and authentic sticker details. After building and exploring the…
Space-obsessed kids can get ready to reach for the stars!
MGA Entertainment’s Little Tikes Adventure Rocket is a pretend-play rocketship designed for kids ages 2 and up that offers aspiring astronauts a whole galaxy of fun and interactive activities. The durable, plastic rocketship stands nearly 4 feet tall and is open on one side, showing the ship’s interior elements. It is also big enough for multiple kids to play in at the same time.
Kids can access a panel and pretend to make repairs on the outside of the ship. | Source: MGA Entertainment
The dashboard features a variety of light and sound effects. | Source: MGA Entertainment
The telescope on the side of the rocket is perfect for stargazing. | Source: MGA Entertainment
The built-in seat puts aspiring astronauts in control. | Source: MGA Entertainment
The playset is packed with features for kids to explore, including a star viewer screen, a chair, a telescope, an escape hatch they can crawl through, a control center with lights and sounds, and an outer maintenance panel with “wires” that kids can disconnect and reconnect.
In addition to these built-in features, the rocket comes with some play accessories, including two “space rocks,” tweezers, a hammer, and a magnifier. All of these elements combine for nearly endless imaginative play potential, as kids can create and act out their own space explorations. They can pretend to visit the real planets in our solar system, or make up their own intergalactic destinations to explore.
If kids have an astronaut dress-up outfit at home, or if they make their own astronaut helmet to wear while playing in the rocket ship, it will elevate the experience even more.
It is worth noting that this playset does require some adult assembly before it is ready to take off. You will need a few tools from home to complete the rocket, including a screwdriver, a hammer, and tweezers. The ship comes with step-by-step printed instructions, but there is also an official assembly video for those who prefer visual instruction. The process is fairly straightforward and should take an adult about 30-40 minutes. Be sure to follow each step carefully to ensure that the rocket is assembled correctly. If you build it correctly, the rocket is super sturdy.
Overall, this set is a visually impressive piece that is sure to be the *star* of any playroom. The set costs $179.99, which is a worthy investment for the hours of engaging play that this set offers.
Blast off to fun and adventure with The Little Tikes Adventure Rocket. So many kids dream of becoming an astronaut, space explorer, astronomer, or rocket scientist when they grow up and now, they don't have to wait! Kids can travel through space, the stars, and the planets with this realistic role play rocket ship. There…
For years, kids have been throwing down cards and playing Fluxx. Now, they can play Fluxx as they travel the world from the comfort of home. The two latest versions of Fluxx — Across America Fluxx and Around the World Fluxx — take players on a whirlwind adventure.
The Fluxx card game rules are simple: Players start with three cards, play one card, and draw one card. However, as the game progresses, the rules change and players must accomplish different goals, play cards in a different way, and more. The game is designed for kids ages 8 and up.
Kids can play both new versions of Fluxx together for a bigger game! | Source: Looney Labs
Kids can play both new versions of Fluxx together for a bigger game! | Source: Looney Labs
Each deck features dozens of cards with iconic American and worldwide landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Rapa Nui statues on Easter Island, the Great Pyramids of Giza, and more! If players are feeling ambitious, they can even combine the two decks for bigger games with bigger stakes.
Both of Looney Lab’s new versions of Fluxx are available for $20 at looneylabs.com and Amazon. Even if kids haven’t left their home, the new versions of Fluxx will help them see all of the cool places and landmarks that the world has to offer!
There’s nothing more traditional than wooden toys. That’s why CAMP is going back to the basics with a new collection of solid wood toddler toys. Little ones can grab, stack, bonk, and plonk these wooden wonders.
CAMP Stacking Bear | Source: CAMP
CAMP Whack-a-Mole | Source: CAMP
Inspired by one of the all-time classic toys, the CAMP Bear Stacker is a wooden rod with colorful rings and an adorable bear head that kids can stack and unstack. Available for $20, this toy can help toddlers develop their motor skills and coordination. Another toy that encourages little ones to develop these skills is the Whack-A-Mole Wooden Pounding Toy. Babies and toddlers can swing the wooden mallet with strength and purpose, just like Thor wields his mighty hammer Mjölnir. Parents will love to watch their kids use this pounding toy and mallet, available for $16.
CAMP Alphabet Blocks | Source: CAMP
CAMP Shape Sorter Blocks | Source: CAMP
The CAMP Alpha Wooden ABC Blocks set comes complete with vibrant characters and icons on the sides to create beautiful scenes. Parents will be surprised at how much joy, enrichment, and creative fulfillment little ones get from this letter block set, available for $30. The CAMP Fit Finder Wooden Shape Sorter is another classic favorite. This wood box with wood shapes helps babies develop coordination as they learn how things fit together.
CAMP Animals Puzzle | Source: CAMP
CAMP Space Puzzle | Source: CAMP
CAMP has also released two double-sided, wooden stacking puzzles for $25 each. The animal-themed puzzle will delight little ones who love animals, while the space-themed puzzle provides an out-of-this-world experience. These puzzles help with motor skills, coordination, and shape-recognition.
CAMP Boat | Source: CAMP
CAMP Firetruck | Source: CAMP
CAMP Airplane | Source: CAMP
Perfect for imaginative play, the CAMP Stacking Pull Toys come in three varieties — a boat, a firetruck, and a plane — for $20 each. Whether your little one is a fisherman, a firefighter, or a pilot, they can stack and unstack these toys, or pull them along on a string.
Izzy, Hitch, Princess Pipp, and Zipp return to the big screen with another, magical My Little Pony animated special. Pegasisters and Bronnies can watch My Little Pony: Bridlewoodstock when the special premieres on Netflix on June 6, along with six new episodes of My Little Pony: Make Your Mark debuting the same day. Sofia Wylie joins the cast to voice the role of Ruby and contribute original music to the special.
This new, 44-minute special sees the pony besties of Mane 5 on a quest to book artists across Equestria for an epic music festival called Bridlewoodstock. Throughout their adventures, the ponies will uncover the mysterious legend of the voice stealing Troggles.
Hasbro is helping parents bring a piece of Equestria to their kids with all-new My Little Pony Style of the Day Ponies inspired by Bridlewoodstock and Make Your Mark.
Misty Brightdawn | Source: Hasbro
Princeess Petals | Source: Hasbro
Zipp Storm | Source: Hasbro
Maze 5 dolls | Source: Hasbro
Beginning on Aug. 1, kids can get their hands on 5.5-inch tall Maze 5 dolls with styleable hair and customizable outfits. My Little Pony fans can dress their pony quartet to the nines with outfits, accessories, and hairstyles from the big Bridlewoodstock festival.
There are three species of hippopotamus in the world: the common river hippo, the pygmy hippo, and the Hungry Hungry Hippo. You probably remember the feel-good Hasbro game featuring colorful hippos that chomp marbles. WowWee is adding a summery twist to the nostalgic toy by turning it into a water sprinkler game for a backyard blast, called Hungry Hungry Hippos Splash.
Families are going to need a hose on hand to hook up to the sprinkler unit, creating several jets of water that will stream upward. The sprinkler features an orange and a purple hippo that will rotate in a circle. Since there are two hippos, the game is designed for two players, who will toss the “snacks” as fast as they can at the same time into their designated hippo’s open mouth. Each player gets three snacks, which look and feel like pingpong balls, but a little bit softer. If one of the balls falls out of the hippo’s mouth, players can pick it up and toss it again. The first player to get all three snacks in the hippo’s mouth at once is the winner.
Hungry Hungry Hippos Splash comes with a sprinkler unit, six snack balls, and a hose adapter. | Source: WowWee
The hippo mouths are adjustable for different difficulty levels. | Source: WowWee
Whoever gets three snacks into the hippo's mouth first is the winner! | Source: WowWee
The hippos spin while the sprinkler sprays water. | Source: WowWee
While this may sound easy to us adults, the game is designed for kids ages 4 and up, so it will be fun for preschoolers and grade schoolers to test their coordination as they try to toss the snacks into their hippo’s mouth while the unit spins and sprays water all at the same time. Kids can fully open the hippo mouths for easy mode or only open them halfway for hard mode. Each hippo mouth is adjustable, so if you have kids of different ages playing together, they can decide how much of a challenge they want. Players can toss the snacks from further back to practice their aim or get up close to make it easier. The closer they get, the more they will get sprayed, which is part of the fun.
You don’t have to make it a competition, either: Kids can also play individually to test their throwing skills or come up with their own water games using the sprinkler. Players can use their imaginations to add their own rules to the game. If you have more than two kids that want to play, someone can run back and forth trying to intercept the flying snacks midair, kind of like monkey in the middle. This will make it a little more challenging for older kids. Or maybe the goal is to just cool off in the sprinkler without playing the game at all, and that’s just as fun! There’s really no limit to how you can play with this water toy.
Whatever way they decide to play, kids will have a blast getting splashed with these hip hippos all summer long!
This water game combines the classic Hungry Hungry Hippos game with outdoor fun. Players choose a hippo to feed and race to feed their hippo the fastest. The closer they get to their hippo, the more they’ll be sprayed. The first player to feed their hippo all three snacks wins.
Color Wonder offers a mess free, magic reveal coloring experience that keeps kids busy and engaged by the freedom to be creative, choose their colors, and design their own unique way. The new Color Wonder Foldalopes include Cocomelon and Spidey & His Amazing Friends. Holds everything in one place and features 18 themed coloring pages…
Dash is the kids drawing kit that’s perfect during travel — long car rides, road trips, and airplane flights are instantly better. The whole family can enjoy playing 5 in a Row, Dots & Boxes, Tic-Tac-Toe, and Search & Find while on the road. Kids can use the included stylus or even a fingernail to…
Supercharge your memory with the Genius version of the mind-melting light-up game, BrainBolt! Watch carefully as up to 21 lights flash at random, then challenge your brain to repeat the patterns without missing a beat 5 new genius levels, randomized patterns in addition to solo and head-to-head modes make this portable hand-held brain bender the…
Kids can convert Bumblebee from a robot action figure to a wearable mask in 15 steps. The 9-inch mask has an elastic strap and nose padding for an adjustable fit.
Get ready for big Care Bears fun in a micro scale! The Care Bears kids know and love are tinier and more magical than ever. Play with besties like Cheer Bear, Grumpy Bear, Good Luck Bear, Harmony Bear, and Laugh-a-Lot Bear in their adorable micro size. Each bear comes with their own unique look and…
Toy Insider Senior Editor Madeleine Buckley joined NBC’s Early Today to show off the best toys to keep kids entertained on long road trips this holiday weekend. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the season, be sure to check out The Toy Insider’s Spring and Summer Gift Guide.
This tiny, wooden version of a laptop and desk features a variety of interactive elements that babies and toddlers can use to develop fine motor skills while pretending to work from home like their parents. It has no detachable pieces and features a handle for on-the-go play.
Kids will follow the guides and use the included gemstone stickers on the pre-printed templates to create suncatcher window decor. They can choose from Flower, Garden, Aquarium, Rainbow, and Unicorn designs, each sold separately.
Flipslide is a fast-paced electronic handheld puzzle game where the hardest part is putting it down. The game has a unique twist-and-slide mechanism that challenges players to match the right color block by flipping or sliding, to match the coordinating lights. Enjoy endless fun by switching between one of four interactive game modes: Speed, Multiplayer,…
The Toniebox is an imagination-building, screen-free, educational, digital listening experience speaker that plays stories, songs, and much more. The Sleepy Friends line is designed to foster undogmatic bedtime preparation for preschoolers. The Toniebox comes to life with the Sleepy Friends Sleepy Sheep Night Light, a large light-up Tonie that soothes kids to sleep with calmness,…
These clippable doodle boards are available in three styles: a shark, a sea turtle, and a narwhal. Kids can draw with the attached stylus or their fingernail, then push on the character's nose to make the doodle board instantly clear itself and draw something new.
In this game, players shake the cup and slam it shut to reveal three letters, then quickly find a word that uses the three letters. Pass the cup to the next player who has to find a new word or they are out.
This eight-piece set features an 11-inch interactive Cream Puff stuffed animal and a glittery fashion backpack with all the tools kids need to play veterinarian. Kids can press Cream Puff’s paw to activate lights, puppy sounds, and Minnie Mouse phrases. Cream Puff’s nose lights up when she needs help to feel better, and kids can…
Young travelers can create while on the go with this portable, light-up art set. The glow screen and light wand make kids' drawings light up, and the artwork will disappear over time so kids can make something new.
Supercharge your memory with the Genius version of the mind-melting light-up game, BrainBolt! Watch carefully as up to 21 lights flash at random, then challenge your brain to repeat the patterns without missing a beat 5 new genius levels, randomized patterns in addition to solo and head-to-head modes make this portable hand-held brain bender the…
Toy Insider Media Correspondent Deborah Stallings Stumm joined Fox 5 in San Diego to show off the hot toys kids will be asking for this summer. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the season, be sure to check out The Toy Insider’s Spring and Summer Gift Guide.
Step right up and take a chance on this classic game of luck and skill. Bring the Flybar FunPark Giant Inflatable Ring Toss Game to your backyard. Set a starting mark, ring a bottle and score! Perfect for the whole family, this game is 3 feet tall, sets up in minutes, and provides hours of…
Kids can paint the cornhole boards with the included paint and brushes, then play the game with the included bean bags. When they’re ready for a redesign, kids can wipe the boards clean with a wet towel and paint them again.
NERF Elite Junior blasters are lightweight, fit comfortably in small hands, and feature a front-loading design that makes it easy to insert darts. The Starter Set includes two blasters with an oversized aimer for easy targeting and 15 NERF Elite darts.
Kids will follow the guides and use the included gemstone stickers on the pre-printed templates to create suncatcher window decor. They can choose from Flower, Garden, Aquarium, Rainbow, and Unicorn designs, each sold separately.
With the X-Shot Fast-Fill Hyperload kids can refill their blaster in just 1 second and get back to the water blaster action long before their opponents. Just dunk, fill, and close with rapid sealing technology. It shoots up to 33 feet with its 500ml water capacity tank!
Blast off to fun and adventure with The Little Tikes Adventure Rocket. So many kids dream of becoming an astronaut, space explorer, astronomer, or rocket scientist when they grow up and now, they don't have to wait! Kids can travel through space, the stars, and the planets with this realistic role play rocket ship. There…
Twister first made its debut in 1966 and Hasbro is giving us a modern, new way to play this classic game 57 years later!
Twister Air ditches the floor mat and adds a tech element to the game with augmented reality. Players can download the Twister Air app using their own smart device, then reach, clap, swipe, and strike poses to music beats. Each set comes with eight colorful, stretchy, one-size-fits-most Twister Air bands for ankle and wrist movement detection, and an adjustable stand that holds any smartphone or tablet with a width of up to 9 inches.
Players can download the free 'Twister Air' app on Android or iOS to play the game. | Source: Hasbro
Scan the QR code in the instructions to download the app and learn how to play, track scores, and more. | Source: Hasbro
Players can earn points for every spot they hit. | Source: Hasbro
This new take on Twister adds a tech element while still keeping players active! | Source: Hasbro
Players can earn points for every spot they hit. | Source: Hasbro
When the music starts playing, players can try to match their wrist and ankle bands to the colored spots they see on the screen to earn points. This will encourage kids to move around and get active, just like the original game. Kids can play in VS, Teams, or Solo mode to either compete against friends, play in teams in a shared screen face-off, or play on their own to try to beat their personal best. The app features high score leaderboards, how-to-play tutorials, the ability to capture content, and a library with more than 16 songs that kids can play the game to.
Hasbro also released a new, original song, “Twist in the Air” to celebrate the game launch. The song will be available to play in the game and kids can also listen to it on TikTok and major streaming platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify.
Recommended for kids ages 8 and up, Twister Air will be available on Amazon on June 1 and at most major retailers on Aug. 1. You can preorder it on Amazon now for $19.99.
In this app-enabled, augmented-reality spin on Twister, players can strike poses to music beats as they match their wrist and ankle bands to the colored spots on screen. The game includes eight Twister Air bands and a device stand.
The Pokémon trading card game Scarlet & Violet — Obsidian Flames expansion will launch this summer and little trainers can look forward to new Energy types.
The Scarlet & Violet — Obsidian Flames expansion introduces type-shifted Tera Pokémon ex cards featuring different Energy types. For example, trainers will find Charizard ex as a Darkness type versus its usual Fire type and Tyranitar ex as a Lightning type versus its usual Fighting type or Darkness type. During an attack, type-shifted Tera Pokémon ex use the same Energy as its usual type, however, it has a different weakness that corresponds with its shifted type. The new cards will follow the same rules as existing Pokémon ex, except when Knocked Out, the type-shifted Tera Pokémon ex gives up two Prize cards instead of one.
The expansion includes booster packs. | Source: Source: The Pokémon Co.
Some highlights from the expansion include 15 Pokémon ex, six Tera Pokémon ex, 12 illustration rare Pokémon, six special illustration rare Pokémon and Supporter cards, 12 ultra rare full-art etched Pokémon ex and Supporter cards, and three hyper rare gold etched cards.
The expansion will be available in booster packs, Elite Trainer Boxes, and special collections at Pokemon Center and select retailers, including toy stores, hobby shops, and local game stores on Aug. 11. Equipped with two additional booster packs and one additional illustration rare style promo card, the Scarlet & Violet — Obsidian Flames Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box is available for preorder now at pokemoncenter.com in addition to other products inspired by the expansion.
The Elite Trainer Box is available for preorder now. | Source: The Pokémon Co.
Ahead of the release, trainers can play Scarlet & Violet — Obsidian Flames on the Pokémon TCG Live app for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows on Aug. 10.
When logging in, the Scarlet & Violet — Obsidian Flames Battle Pass will reward players with a new deck, featuring Darkness-type Charizard ex. Players can also unlock an additional premium deck featuring Toedscruel ex by redeeming Crystals, earned by completing daily quests.
Toy Insider Senior Editor Jackie Cucco joined Cheddar to show off the best water toys that are sure to make a big splash with kids this summer. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the season, be sure to check out The Toy Insider’s Spring and Summer Gift Guide.
This set combines the thrill of sliding on the water with splashing into hundreds of self-sealing, fast-filling water balloons! Kids can fill and seal 100 water balloons in less than a minute and set up the water slide for the ultimate water fight.
Fill this plastic pad with water, and seat kids inside or around the edge. An adult can attach a hose to activate a built-in sprinkler, and there are multiple beach-themed accessories kids can use to interact with the water. The set also folds for easy storage.
Kids pretend they are working in the yard just like grown-ups with this officially licensed John Deere bubble mower that features mechanical gear sounds and rugged tires. Kids will enjoy a stream of bubbles as they push the mower. The machine comes with a 4-oz bottle of bubble solution.
Designed with a print of string lights, a window, and plants with blue accents and pink stripes throughout. Features a play lantern and a pretend campfire that lights up. Role-play with the included marshmallows, roasting sticks, graham crackers, and chocolate- enough to make two play s'mores! Includes a campfire, a lantern, two chip magazines, two…
Toy Insider Senior Editor Jackie Cucco joined Cheddar to show off the best new toys to turn your backyard into the best playground in town. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the season, be sure to check out The Toy Insider’s Spring and Summer Gift Guide.
Who needs wind? Kids can pull the Thumb Kites back and let them fly up to 65 feet through the air. This pack includes two durable, waterproof, and easy-to-launch kites for high-flying fun.
Kids can test their Koosh skills in a head-to-head game. The set includes two paddles and a colorful Koosh ball, making it perfect to play inside or outside.
The Giant Connect 4 Set is the classic gameplay that kids know and love only now in jumbo size for outdoor parties and for group gatherings. The Connect 4 game set is designed for both adults and kids, making it a versatile option for family fun in the backyard. This yard game set takes just…
This inflatable obstacle course is designed after a Monopoly board game. There are two ways to play: Obstacle Course or Mega Monopoly. It includes a storage bag, an air blower, inflatable stakes, repair patches, inflatable dice, and foam bills.
Osmo from BYJU’s is well-known for its toys that utilize technology to make learning fun. Now, with the help of Pillow Fort Games, the brand is bringing a whole new experience to kids who love a good card game.
Rise of the Gummies is an upcoming collectible card game that has two players gather a team of gummies from five different planets to build the tallest tower. The game utilizes tech for an augmented reality experience. Kids can reveal a gummy card to a phone or a tablet to summon the gummy into the game, adding them to the tower.
Each character has a unique ability. | Source: Osmo from BYJU’s
Each gummy has its own individual personality, as well as abilities that help in the tower-building mission. Whether it’s melting an opponent’s gummy or throwing a dance party, the colorful characters in this game will do anything to climb even higher.
The Rise of the GummiesKickstarter is expected to launch later this year. The game is designed for kids ages 8 and up, and supports one or two players. The associated app will be available on smartphones and tablets. The game is planned to launch with 40 cards from its first expansion, giving little tower builders tons of character options as they build their deck.
Head over to the Kickstarter page to sign up to be notified once the crowdfunding campaign launches. For even more information about the game overall, interested card collectors can have a look at the official website.
Just because kids have smartphones now doesn’t mean that good ol’ fashioned walkie-talkies are a thing of the past. eKids is bringing back this classic form of communication with new walkie-talkie packs sporting two of the most popular cartoon series: PAW Patrol and Spidey and His Amazing Friends.
From rescuing pups around the world to thwarting Doc Ock’s evil plans just in time for dinner, kids ages 3 and up can communicate with one another from far-out distances as they embark on their outdoor adventures. Two walkie-talkies come in each pack. PAW Patrol fans will love the set that features puppy first responders Marshall and Chase, while the Spidey and Amazing Friendsset showcases New York City’s friendly neighborhood superpals Peter Parker, Miles Morales, and Gwen Stacey.
Setting up these walkies is as easy as popping in four AAA batteries and clicking the ON switch. Once both walkie-talkies are ready to go, kids can simply hold down the TALK button and speak into the microphone. With so many toys nowadays requiring 30 minutes or more to set up, offering your kids something easy and fun could save parents a ton of headaches when playtime comes around.
These eKids walkie-talkies are reasonably sized — small enough to fit in your kids’ pocket until it’s time for action. Kids can use them to play with their friends, or parents can take one to check in on their little ones. Are your kids not cleaning up after themselves? Nothing a quick page on their walkie-talkies can’t fix. With the long antenna on each device, kids can talk to whoever is on the other end from up to 500 feet away with little to no static. “Affirmative. The clarity of the 2-way conversations is quite impressive. Over.”
Looking for the toy to take your kids’ outdoor adventures to the next level? These walkie-talkies could be just the tools for the best summer playtime!
Marshall and Chase are here to help your little ones on a rescue mission in their own backyard. These eKids walkie-talkies allow kids to communicate up to 500 feet away!
Your super kid can help Peter Parker, Miles Morales, and Gwen Stacey save the day with these Spidey and His Amazing Friends walkie-talkies. Kids can pretend to battle the Sinister Six and communicate with one another from up to 500 feet.
As the days on the school calendar count down, summer vacation is almost here! Schleich is jump-starting its summer plans with the Summer PLAYcation campaign.
Each month this summer, Schleich will have new content, giveaways, and fun for kids to enjoy, starting this Saturday, May 27. Each month features a different theme to inspire play. The themes each feature different activities kids can do to enrich their play. In June, Schleich is focusing on travel and outdoor fun, including taking Schleich toys to the beach, having outdoor picnics in a local park, and creating a safari with Schleich animal figures! In July, families can take part in activities like playing paleontologist: Adults can bury Schleich dinosaur figures in the sandbox and kids can search for them. Families can also make craft collages inspired by their favorite Schleich characters for the July theme.
Schleich is encouraging families to take play on the road this summer! | Source: Schleich
Starting this weekend, families can share their summer adventures for a chance to win all of Schleich’s new toys from this year. There will be five winners total. To enter the sweepstakes, kids can create summer scenes using their Schleich toys or take photos or videos with the toys while enjoying summery activities. Adults can post their kids’ photos and videos to Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok using the hashtag #SummerPLAYcation or upload their photos here. While the Wizarding World toys aren’t included in the giveaway, there are so many toys to win, including figures of dinosaurs, horses, robots, and more!
If you live near one of Schleich’s 55 flagship stores in the U.S. and Canada, kids have even more chances to win new toys! The first 50 people to visit any of the stores and says “I’m on PLAYcation!” will get a free Schleich toy!
To check out everything Schleich has to offer this summer, including pictures shared by families who love Schleich, check out schleich-s.com/summer-playcation!
Kids ages 18 months and up can answer the yelp for help and keep Adventure Bay — plus their backyard — safe with the PAW Patrol Marshall 6-Volt Quad from Dynacraft. The adorable little fire truck features a Marshall decal in the window, but kids are the ones who take the driver’s seat as they cruise toward victory.
The quad features all the “wees” and “woos” of a real truck, but only travels up to 2.5 mph to keep little adventurers safe. Tots push down on a single-foot pedal to make the quad move forward and when they release, it automatically stops. It’s easy to understand how to make it move, and how to make it not move. That, plus the speed control, make it a great first option for little ones’ first electric ride-on toy.
Let’s face it, what preschooler isn’t obsessed with PAW Patrol? As soon as they enter the “PAW Patrol Years” parents suddenly know the name and catchphrase of every character and can recite the theme song by heart. My niece has assigned each member of my family a different character — and I’m sure she’s not the only one. So trust me when I say that little PAW Patrol stans will be delighted by the small details of this fire truck. In addition to Marshall, it features paw prints and the PAW Patrol badge blazoned on the front.
I personally love this quad because it gets kids to stop watching PAW Patrol and head outside instead. They can create their very own worlds and rescue missions right in their own neighborhood. Instead of watching Marshall do the saving, they can do it themselves! It’s also practically ready to go right out of the box, so kids can take it for a spin in no time (right after a grownup connects the battery, which should take less than five minutes). When it loses its gusto, it can go-go and recharge and be back to saving the day in a jiffy.
Are you fired up? Because ready or not, the PAW Patrol Marshall 6-Volt Quad is coming in hot!
Kids can answer the yelp for help and keep Adventure Bay safe. With this fire truck design, the 6 Volt Quad is sure to excite any young Paw Patrol fan. With a top speed of 2.5 mph and a simple single pedal operation — push to accelerate and release to brake, this quad is perfect…
Four of the most famous Avengers are getting into a jam this summer — Monster Jam!
Feld Motor Sports and Marvel have teamed up to bring fans a quartet of new Marvel Monster Jam trucks. The trucks will face off against familiar favorites Max-D and the mighty Megalodon this summer starting in London, with additional trucks debuting later this year across the international route. The initial Marvel-inspired lineup consists of Spider-Man, Iron Man, Black Panther, and Thor. Each truck is designed with a different body sculpt and special, hero-inspired features to encourage crowd engagement.
The Thor Monster Jam truck features the God of Thunder’s helmet and cape, along with a giant version of his mighty hammer, Mjölnir. The majestic purple glow of Wakandan vibranium is unmistakable on the Black Panther Monster Jam truck. Tony Stark’s sophisticated and sleek metal suit inspired the Iron Man Monster Jam truck, complete with his iconic Arc Reactor. The Spider-Man Monster Jam truck will have fans’ spidey senses tingling, featuring the character’s classic red and blue coloring, complete with a gigantic spider icon.
The Spider-Man, Iron Man, Black Panther, and Thor Monster Jam trucks will make their debut at London Stadium on July 15. For tickets and more information visit monsterjam.com.
Kids will want to stay up pasture their bedtime when they start playing with this Farmhouse with Outdoor Area playset from Playmobil! Kids ages 4 and up can call on the cows, put the pigs in the pen, and enjoy creative country living with this engaging set.
Playmobil toys, created by Hans Beck, have become a playroom classic over the past 50 years. With a variety of themed sets and play figures sporting the iconic smile, the sets spark imaginative play in various ways.
Using the three include figures in this farm set, kids can pretend-play farm life by doing chores, eating breakfast, and caring for the cow, calf, cat, and kitten. Using the wheelbarrow, kids can even moo-ve the hay bales to store them in the shed.
Grownups will be utterly happy to know that the set uses 80% sustainable materials—making it an eco-friendly choice. It can spark a discussion about the environment on our food supply or what families can do to recycle. With homesteading on the rise, kids can discover what it takes to care for animals and the land. Perhaps it will inspire them to grow their own garden, join a community-supported agriculture farm, or attend a 4H event. And, if your kiddos want to add neigh-bors, they can expand the farm with other sets for even more farm fun.
The set has a lot of pieces, making it best for stay-at-home play, but kids can enjoy it indoors or outside as long as its safely stored away when play is done. One parenting tip is to use a hard-sided lunch box to store the pieces, like the figures, animals, and accessories. It makes post-play clean-up easy! Additionally, kids can use the lunch box carrying handle to bring the set on the go and have a solid playing surface, too.
With all the play possibilities in this set, adults may want to tract-or it down sooner rather than later.
This country-themed playset features a farmhouse, farm accessories, and a variety of animal figures, including a cow, a calf, and a cat. Kids can create their own farm stories using these pieces and the three included figures. The set is eco-friendly, designed with more than 80% sustainable materials.
Harry Potter‘s birthday is coming up this summer on July 31, and Thunder Bay Press wants to make sure little Potter fans know it has the perfect collection of activity books to celebrate with. With everything from coloring to embroidery to stickers, there’s a book for nearly every craft! Kids can get in on the fun with all of these books, available now.
Harry Potter Glow in the Dark Coloring Book ($16.99) | Source: Thunder Bay Press
Harry Potter Paint with Water ($15.99) | Source: Thunder Bay Press
Hogwarts is glowing with the magic of Harry Potter! The Harry Potter Glow in the Dark Coloring Book features favorite characters and scenes from the movies. The book comes with more than a dozen pages, including three panoramic foldouts perfect for hanging on the wall. Get it here: Amazon, Target, Thunder Bay. The Harry Potter Paint with Water book includes eight different scenes from the Harry Potter movies. Kids can use the included paintbrush to apply water to the pages and see them come alive with color! Get it here: Amazon, Target, Thunder Bay.
How to Draw Harry Potter ($14.99) | Source: Thunder Bay Press
Harry Potter Hand Lettering ($18.99) | Source: Thunder Bay Press
For kids who dream of drawing their favorite magical characters, the How to Draw Harry Potter book is here! The book includes step-by-step guides to drawing Harry, Hermione, Snape, Voldemort, and many other familiar faces from the Wizarding World. Get it here: Thunder Bay. Kids will need some fancy lettering to label their newest art pieces, so the Harry Potter Hand Lettering book is the perfect pairing. Get it here: Amazon, Target, Thunder Bay.
Harry Potter Sticker Art Puzzles ($15.99) | Source: Thunder Bay Press
Harry Potter Jigsaw Puzzle Book ($16.99) | Source: Thunder Bay Press
Harry Potter Spiroglyphics ($14.99) | Source: Thunder Bay Press
There are also plenty of puzzles in this collection of activity books! The Harry Potter Sticker Art Puzzles book brings the puzzling fun of a jigsaw to the world of stickers. Kids use the included stickers to assemble magical scenes. Get it here: Amazon, Target, Thunder Bay.
If a kid wants a more traditional jigsaw puzzle experience, the Harry Potter Jigsaw Puzzle Book is the right pick for them. The book includes nine 96-piece jigsaw puzzles, with inset trays inside the book that hold the puzzle pieces. Get it here: Amazon, Target, Thunder Bay.
For a true mind-bender, Harry Potter Spiroglyphics offer graphic puzzles that look like simple spirals until kids start coloring in between the lines to reveal their favorite characters. Get it here: Amazon, Target, Thunder Bay.
Harry Potter Paper Models ($24.99) | Source: Thunder Bay Press
Harry Potter Origami Chess ($29.99) | Source: Thunder Bay Press
For some more hands-on crafting, kids can use the Harry Potter Paper Models book to make 22 paper models of buildings, landmarks, and other places found in the magical world of Harry Potter. Get it here: Amazon, Thunder Bay. And for paper models with a purpose, the Harry Potter Origami Chess book has everything a kid needs to make their favorite characters into chess pieces that they can actually use to play game. (Although we can’t promise that these pieces will come to life like they do in Wizards chess.) Get it here: Amazon, Thunder Bay.
Harry Potter Crochet ($24.99) | Source: Thunder Bay Press
Harry Potter Embroidery ($21.99) | Source: Thunder Bay Press
Finally, Thunder Bay Press didn’t leave out the yarn and thread crafters! The Harry Potter Crochet set includes everything a kid could need to make crochet versions of Harry Potter and Dobby, as well as instructions for making even more characters once they make a run to the craft store. Get it here: Amazon, Thunder Bay. The Harry Potter Embroidery kit also includes materials, with everything a you need to make two projects as well as instructions for eight additional ones. Get it here: Amazon, Thunder Bay.
The Wizarding World has never looked quite so crafty! Kids can choose their favorite activity books and get to making magic!
L.O.L Surprise! O.M.G Fashion Club is the hot new styling game for young stylists to live out their Fashion Week runway fantasies. Created by MGA Entertainment and TutoTOONS, this new multiplayer app takes players on a digital journey into the chic universe of L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. as they dress dolls from the franchise to the nines in entertaining activities and competitions.
Game activities and competitions | Source: MGA Entertainment/TutoTOONS
Styling screen | Source: MGA Entertainment/TutoTOONS
From makeovers to dress-up challenges, L.O.L Surprise! O.M.G Fashion Club brings young fans of the doll line endless fun and cooperative activities. Kids can gather their fashionista pals and work together in styling competitions to win special in-game rewards. Winning teams can unlock items like outfits, hairstyles, cosmetics, and everything else players need to create the fiercest look!
With the help of the trend-setting characters of the L.O.L Surprise! O.M.G line, friends can unlock their creativity and unleash their inner stylist. Parents can stay updated on L.O.L Surprise! O.M.G Fashion Club’s launch date and news by pre-registering for the game on Google Play or the Apple App Store. Fans can also look for L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. dolls in stores now.
Toy Insider Senior Editor Jackie Cucco joined Fox Weather to show off the new toys that are sure to make a big splash this summer. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the season, be sure to check out The Toy Insider’s Spring and Summer Gift Guide.
Fill this plastic pad with water, and seat kids inside or around the edge. An adult can attach a hose to activate a built-in sprinkler, and there are multiple beach-themed accessories kids can use to interact with the water. The set also folds for easy storage.
Kids can launch the Shark Rocket up to 6 feet above the water and compete to see who can launch it the highest. Thanks to the hydrodynamic design, the Shark Rocket is pool-powered and requires no batteries. It is lightweight and easy to carry.
A day at the beach is even better with this set that includes a sand/water mill, a castle mold, three small sand forms, four sand tools, a small pail, a bucket lid that also functions as a sand sieve, and an oversized beach bucket.
This set comes with a shovel, a trowel, a rake, and a watering can made with sustainable bamboo and long-lasting metal for little gardeners. It also includes two bamboo labels so kids can mark what they planted.
This American Girl-size replica of an authentic Jeni’s ice cream truck features a wood floor, wheels that roll and turn, working LED headlights, and a radio that plays two melodies. There’s also a scooping station, a storage freezer, pretend cones and ice cream pints, utensils, and a pretend phone with a card reader.
This motorized ride-on is made for younger, novice riders, and has safety features such as a slow-start throttle and built-in parental speed controls, which allow caregivers to use a separate key to lock in the Weeler’s top speed to a certain limit up to 10 mph. These safety features help prevent accidental launches and reduce…
This inflatable water slide lets kids slide down a rainbow. It attaches to any standard U.S. garden hose and shoots water out from the side for tons of slippery summer fun. Adults can even safely place it on the edge of the pool for a big splash of fun.
Toy Insider Senior Editor Jackie Cucco joined Fox Weather to show off the best new toys to make the best Memorial Day party ever. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the season, be sure to check out The Toy Insider’s Spring and Summer Gift Guide.
Fill this plastic pad with water, and seat kids inside or around the edge. An adult can attach a hose to activate a built-in sprinkler, and there are multiple beach-themed accessories kids can use to interact with the water. The set also folds for easy storage.
Kids can launch the Shark Rocket up to 6 feet above the water and compete to see who can launch it the highest. Thanks to the hydrodynamic design, the Shark Rocket is pool-powered and requires no batteries. It is lightweight and easy to carry.
A day at the beach is even better with this set that includes a sand/water mill, a castle mold, three small sand forms, four sand tools, a small pail, a bucket lid that also functions as a sand sieve, and an oversized beach bucket.
This American Girl-size replica of an authentic Jeni’s ice cream truck features a wood floor, wheels that roll and turn, working LED headlights, and a radio that plays two melodies. There’s also a scooping station, a storage freezer, pretend cones and ice cream pints, utensils, and a pretend phone with a card reader.
This inflatable water slide lets kids slide down a rainbow. It attaches to any standard U.S. garden hose and shoots water out from the side for tons of slippery summer fun. Adults can even safely place it on the edge of the pool for a big splash of fun.
This motorized ride-on is made for younger, novice riders, and has safety features such as a slow-start throttle and built-in parental speed controls, which allow caregivers to use a separate key to lock in the Weeler’s top speed to a certain limit up to 10 mph. These safety features help prevent accidental launches and reduce…
Toy Insider’s Chief Toy Officer Laurie Schacht joined The Weather Channel to show off the best toys to keep kids entertained in the back seat on long road trips this holiday weekend. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the season, be sure to check out The Toy Insider’s Spring and Summer Gift Guide.
This kid-friendly smartwatch features dual cameras, daily reminders, a flashlight, and more than 50 animated clock faces for time-telling fun. Switch to school mode when it's time to limit its capabilities to the watch feature. This kid-friendly smartwatch features dual cameras, daily reminders, a flashlight, and more than 50 animated clock faces for time-telling fun.…
In this game, players shake the cup and slam it shut to reveal three letters, then quickly find a word that uses the three letters. Pass the cup to the next player who has to find a new word or they are out.
Young travelers can create while on the go with this portable, light-up art set. The glow screen and light wand make kids' drawings light up, and the artwork will disappear over time so kids can make something new.
https://youtu.be/OTnt2ooMrBk Toy Insider’s Chief Toy Officer Laurie Schacht joined The Weather Channel to show off the best toys to keep kids entertained in the back seat on long road trips this holiday weekend. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best…
Frankie Stein, Draculaura, Clawdeen Wolf, and the other students at Monster High are hitting the road this fall in Monster High Live, a live show featuring fearsome fun, menacing music, and daring dancing.
Mattel and Family Entertainment Live are teaming up to bring the monsters to stages across the U.S. During the show, the monsters have to work together to pull off the Monster High Ball. By the end of the show, the monsters and audience will have to put aside their differences to have a wicked night!
The tour is stopping at more than 15 cities across the country! | Source: Mattel
The tour is stopping in more than 15 cities across the country, including Boston, New York City, Milwaukee, and more. Each stop of the tour will feature at least two days of shows. Friday night shows start at 7 p.m.; Saturday shows take place at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m.; and Sunday shows take place at both 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
To get tickets to Monster High Live, check out monsterhighlive.com. The night will be monstrous in the best way as kids jam out with their favorite monsters all night long! Kids can also check out Mattel’s Monster High dolls and playsets, and an animated series on Nickelodeon to get excited for the tour.
Little Cookie Run fans can grab their favorite desserts and get ready for some gaming!
The Cookie Run mobile games are an incredibly popular (and incredibly cute) series of games developed by Devisisters. Cookie Run: Kingdom is a spinoff known for its collectible cookie characters. The game features city-building, battling, a full story, and voice-acted Cookies. Every player has their favorite cookie and with the Legend of the Red Dragon update, two new Cookies are here to vie for the top spot.
Pitaya Dragon Cookie | Source: Devsisters
Royal Margarine Cookie | Source: Devsisters
Pitaya Dragon Cookie is a new Charge Cookie equipped with the Draconic Bladestorm weapon that can fire flying swords at enemies. The fiery cookie can also transform into a dragon. Players can search for it in the Dragon Gacha. Royal Margarine Cookie is also coming to the game, an Ambush Cookie that rides a buttercream wyvern. This cookie can launch buttercream balls at enemies that poison them!
In addition to the new characters, the update will also feature new story episodes. Kids can follow Hollyberry and Pitaya Dragon Cookie as they venture into the Dragon’s Valley. The update will also feature an area called Hall of Encounter, where players have the opportunity to buff their cookies and unlock a number of rewards.
The new update has already released and is ready for any young cookie collectors to play! The Cookie Run: Kingdom app is available on the Apple App Store, the Google Play shop, and the Galaxy Store. Kids can choose their favorite sweet character and get to battling!
Barbie can now host the pool party of her dreams with the new Barbie Dreamhouse from Mattel, complete with home renovations to reflect the latest trends in interior design and architecture. The new Barbie Dreamhouse Pool Party Doll House comes with more than 75 accessories and features the tallest slide in the series with a three-story spiral design.
The Dreamhouse consists of three levels featuring an open floorplan with more than 10 outdoor and indoor living spaces, including a kitchen, a living room, a dining room, a bedroom, a bathroom, a closet, a bonus room, a balcony, and a pool. Barbie can go from pool party to slumber party with the bonus room on the top floor, which includes a sleepover transformation feature to fit more dolls. There are integrated lights and sounds as well as a working wheel-chair-accessible elevator.
Barbie’s furry friends can also enjoy the Dreamhouse, which is equipped with a puppy slide and pool, a pet elevator, a pet palace, a pet bed, and a doggie door. The playset, suitable for kids ages 3 and up, also comes with a puppy figure.
The Barbie Dreamhouse Pool Party Doll House comes with more than 75 accessories and features the tallest slide in the series, with a three-story spiral design. It consists of three levels featuring an open floorplan with more than 10 outdoor and indoor living spaces including a kitchen, living room, dining room, bedroom, bathroom, closet, bonus…
Kids can play pretend and stay protected from the sun all in one!
The new Pop Up Sun Shade from JAKKS Pacific is the perfect accessory for all of your outings this summer. Whether you’re headed to the park, the beach, or a barbeque, the Pop Up Sun Shade is ideal for kids to play outside without having to worry about the sun’s harmful rays.
The Pop Up Sun Shade is suitable for kids ages 3-5 and has UPF 30+ sun protection. It comes equipped with a portable carrying bag and three plastic anchors to keep it in place. Bonus points for it being so easy to set up! While it does require a parent or adult, it practically sets itself up once you unzip the carrying bag. Gently toss it on the ground and it quickly pops right up using a spring steel loop, also known as JAKKS Pacific’s “twist, pop, and play” technology.
The sun shade is open in the front so parents can keep an eye on their kids. | Source: JAKKS Pacific
Adults can anchor the sun shade down by easily sticking the plastic anchors into the loops then into the ground, similar to a tent. This will allow the sun shade to stay put (even if your kids are a little rowdy!) and is also a good wind blocker. It works well on sand, grass, and even mulch at the playground.
While it’s ready for play, you can always put a blanket down inside for added comfort. The sun shade is designed like a colorful tent with the front open, so you can easily keep an eye on your kids.
At nearly 3 feet tall, the sun shade comes with all the fun of familiar JAKKS Pacific play tents plus the added anchor feature making it suitable to play outside. The sun shade helps foster creativity and imaginative play as there are so many ways kids can have fun with it. With PAW Patrol, Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, and Encanto designs available, kids can immerse themselves in the worlds of their favorite characters, pretend to go camping, or simply crawl in with their toys or favorite book.
Once finished, adults can easily shake off any sand or dirt and collapse the sun shade back into the carrying bag for storage. It’s extremely lightweight and great for travel.
The Pop Up Sun Shade is a must-have for little ones this summer!
Perfect for the beach, park, and fun on the go. Has 30+ UPF protection. Features bright graphics of kids’ favorite characters. Includes sand anchors to keep the tent in place. Equipped with a portable carrying bag. Just pop up and go!
The latest plush to hit product shelves is from Jazwares — and considering this brand powerhouse is the mastermind of the fan-frenzy Squishmallows, its latest plush pals are sure to be part of the upcoming collector craze!
Bum Bumz are super-soft, uniquely trendy, collectible, 7.5-inch plushies that give off 1990s vibes — and we’re here for it! The line features multiple characters for all interests, such as rock, football, food, and more. They are the perfect present for super collectors and fans of the individual genres that each plushie represents.
These RetroBumz are really rad! | Source: Jazwares/The Toy Insider
The starting price of $8.99 means these make great stocking stuffers, easter basket fillers, good report card gifts, or an impulse buy. Kids may want to display these little delights as room decor or for holiday decorations, too! The cute faces on each stuffed plush also prompt kids to play with them. Whether they develop a story, put on a show, or play hide and seek with the plush, there are many play possibilities in addition to displaying them.
Parents should be aware that kids will probably want to collect them all, and there are several series to gather. For example, the home-themed Bum Bumz line, called HomeBumz, has six featured plush: a refrigerator, a chair, a fireplace, a stove, a plant, and a lamp. Alternatively, RetroBumz features 1960s icons, such as a peace symbol, a groovy flower, an alien, a lava lamp, a gumball machine, and a yin/yang symbol. Some series are exclusive to certain retailers like HotTopic, Hallmark, Walmart, and more, leading fans on a BumBumz pursuit!
Bum Bumz soft, squishy bodies will vibe well with many kids looking for sensory support, but its bean bag cuteness seals the deal. Collectors will also like that each Bum Bumz plushie has a collectible character sticker on the hangtag. Kids can use the stickers to design folders, notebooks, and more — and honestly, I’m all for bringing back sticker books from the ’80s!
The only bummer about Bum Bumz? Deciding which is the first one you’ll get!
The many multiverses of Sonic Prime come to playtime!
Sonic Prime is a series co-produced by WildBrain and SEGA, featuring favorite Sonic characters in a whole new light, with different multiverses introducing different versions of Sonic’s famous friends. Now, thanks to Jakks Pacific, the characters spotlighted in the series are getting a new line of toys, including figures, playsets, and plush characters!
First up is the speediest bedtime buddy! The Sonic Prime Posable Plush is an impressive 13 inches tall. It will be available exclusively at Target in July for $19.99. The Angel’s Voyage Ship Playset is perfect for any little Sonic fans that are also in their pirate phase. The playset comes with a pirate ship and a figure of Knuckles the Dread. The ship has launching canons, a trap door, and wheels to roll with. It will be available this fall for $39.99.
Sonic Prime 2.5-Inch Figures Multipack — Wave 1 | Source: Jakks Pacific
The first wave of the Sonic Prime Multipack of figures is themed around New Yoke City, the dystopian, technology-filled location run by Mr. Dr. Eggman and the rest of the Chaos Council. The pack includes Rusty Rose, Tails Nine, Sonic, and the Prism Shard. The figures are also compatible with the larger Angel’s Voyage Ship Playset, so the high-tech denizens of New Yoke City can find themselves sailing the seven seas. The multipack will be available in July for $19.99.
Sonic Prime 5-Inch Articulated Figure Sonic | Source: Jakks Pacific
Sonic Prime 5-Inch Articulated Figure Tails Nine | Source: Jakks Pacific
Sonic Prime 5-Inch Articulated Figure Thorn Rose | Source: Jakks Pacific
Sonic Prime 5-Inch Articulated Figure Mr. Dr. Eggman | Source: Jakks Pacific
For a fully posable figure experience, kids can get their hands on the Sonic Prime Articulated Figures. These figures have more than 12 points of articulation and the first wave includes Sonic, Mr. Dr. Eggman, Tails Nine, and Thorn Rose. Kids can get techy and dystopian with Tails Nine or experience the wild times of the jungle with Thorn Rose. The figures will be available in July for $14.99 each.
While kids wait for the release of these incredible new Sonic Prime goodies, they can rewatch their favorite episodes of the Sonic Prime series on Netflix. They can also get excited for more than just figures, as the series has a whole new season airing on July 13.
The Sonic Prime figures are racing their way to retailers this July, with the Angel’s Voyage Ship Playset coming later in the fall. Excited little Sonic fans can keep their eyes peeled at local retailers and hope for even more fun characters to play with in future waves of figures!
Swedish game developer Toca Boca, owned by Spin Master, is known for games made with kids in mind. Now, the brightly colored characters of Toca Boca’s games are coming to closets everywhere with a new line of clothes dropping on May 23!
The Toca Boca collection of clothing, accessories, and more is made in partnership with Juniper Creates, a company that’s no stranger to creative collaborations, having previously worked with Apex Legends, Teletubbies, and Cookie Run. Little fans of Toca Boca’s games can get everything from T-shirts to slippers, all standing out with popping colors and adorable characters. The clothing comes in both youth and adult sizes, so everyone can get in on the cuteness.
T-shirt | Source: Toca Boca
Sweater | Source: Toca Boca
Hoodie | Source: Toca Boca
Get the perfect shirt for attending the Voxella music festival in Toca Life World, or, if it’s feeling chilly, kids can grab a sweater or a hoodie. The Toca Boca sweater is a calming green and has a design perfect for anyone who loves taking photos. The hoodie comes in a lovely peach shade with a sloth enjoying a refreshing drink.
Keychain | Source: Toca Boca
Plush Keychain | Source: Toca Boca
This collection is also bringing blingy accessories for bags, including a keychain that perfect for photographers and an adorable plush keychain that kids can hang with their keys or from a backpack.
Slippers | Source: Toca Boca
Phone Grip | Source: Toca Boca
Kids can also get cozy with some plush slippers. Cozy time can also include scrolling or playing games on your phone, so the phone grip featuring a Toca Boca character will come in handy to keep kids from dropping anything.
While kids wait for this new collection to drop, eager fans can explore Toca Boca’s game offerings. With the Toca Life Worldapp, kids can create a character, design houses, explore varius locations, and much more! Kids’ characters can even match them, as the company plans to launch the clothing collection as digital items in the app as well on May 26.
The new Toca Boca collection will be available for preorder on May 23 at 10 a.m. ET at the official Toca Boca shop (link goes live on May 23). Shipping is free two weeks from launch, so get ready for the chance to grab tons of new goodies!
Peppa Pig and all of her friends are back this fall for a new tour from California to Massachusetts.
In Peppa Pig Sing-Along Party, Peppa, George, Mummy, and Daddy Pig are holding a party for everyone to get together! During the live tour, Peppa and her friends will teach kids their favorite songs as kids dance, clap, and sing along! The show also features appearances from Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep, and Gerald Giraffe!
Peppa Pig Sing-Along Party is hitting dozens of cities this fall! | Source: ShoreFire Media
During the hour-long show, kids have to help the gang get ready for the party, including blowing up balloons and hanging the disco ball. When everything is ready to go, kids and their families get to go wild partying!
The Peppa Pig Sing-Along Party tour will make 50 stops across the U.S. To check out if the show is coming to a town near you, head to peppapigliveus.com. Tickets are currently available starting at $25. Kids won’t want to miss out on partying with their favorite piggies!
For eight years, kids have been watching the superhero adventures of Ladybug and Cat Noir in Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir.Starting on July 28, kids will be able to experience their escapades in a new way from ZAG on Netflix!
Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie features the origin story of superheroes Ladybug and Cat Noir. As Marinette DuPain-Cheng lives the ordinary life of a Parisian teenager, she realizes she has magical powers of creation and becomes the miraculous Ladybug! She has to unite with her opposite, Cat Noir, to save Paris from a menacing, new villain. With a story of kids going from normal lives to superheroes, kids will feel like they can be a superhero, too!
With the original voice actors joining the team for the movie, kids will feel like their favorite characters are really back in action! While the movie will only be on Netflix in the U.S., it will launch in movie theaters in Germany, France, China, and other countries around the world. Check out the trailer for Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie below!
Most pet-themed toys don’t feature 12 inches of hair to style, but the VIP Pets Bow Power collection does! Designed for kids ages 3 and up, VIP Pets Bow Power is a group of six collectible pets from IMC Toys that come with long tresses of hair for kids to style.
VIP Pets first launched in 2020, but the Bow Power VIP Pets feature new designs and accessories with a bow theme! The adventure starts with a bottle that looks like hairspray. Once the bottle is out of its packaging, kids can pull off the Bow Power tag to remove the bottle cap. Kids can pull the tab on the top of the hairspray can to reveal a ribbon they can use to make a bow in the pet’s hair, weave it into braids, and more! When kids reach inside and pull out the VIP Pet, its foot-long hair comes with it! At the bottom of the can are eight accessories, including a hairbrush, hair ties, bows, sunglasses, and more!
Kids can style and accessorize VIP Pets Bow Power toys! | Source: IMC Toys
Kids can style and accessorize VIP Pets Bow Power toys! | Source: IMC Toys
Once all of the hair salon surprises are revealed, the real fun begins! Kids can braid, twist, brush, and style their pet’s hair however they want. Kids can also take hair accessories from their own collection and use them on the VIP Pets: The possibilities are really endless.
There are six VIP Pets to collect in the Bow Power lineup! | Source: IMC Toys
There are six VIP Pets in the Bow Power collection: Aurora, Gwen, Juliet, Kim, Natty, and Shiara. Each pet features different hair colors and accessories that fit its personality. Unlike some surprise toys, the VIP Pets are viewable through the packaging, so kids know what pet they’re going to get, but are still surprised by the accessories inside!
If kids are still craving more VIP Pets after playtime, they can also check out the VIP Pets animated series on YouTube, which features the pets going on adventures, skating, and — of course — getting their hair done!
Who knows, playing with the VIP Pets could be the start of a passion for hairstyling. If kids own a hair salon in 30 years, you’ll have IMC Toys to thank.
VIP Pets are back and trendy as ever as they rock bold fashions and colorful bows in the new VIP Pets Bow Power Series. There are six characters to collect and each comes in an all new transparent hairspray bottle so kids can see which character is inside and pick which pet to take home.…
Angelina Ballerina is pirouette-ing her way into the hearts of kids once more!
This little mouse got her start in the Angelina Ballerina book series from author Katharine Holabird and illustrator Helen Craig, then dancing into a number of different TV series as the charming dancer that continues to follow her dream of becoming a ballerina. Kids can now follow that dream with her in a whole new way, thanks to Tonies. Tonies are adorable, detailed figures of characters that kids can place on top of a Toniebox (sold separately) to listen to songs, stories, and more, all based on the character they feature.
The new figure features Angelina in a tutu and a ballet pose. | Source: Tonies
The Toniebox provides screen-free entertainment for kids. | Source: Tonies
Recommended for kids ages 3 and up, the new Angelina Ballerina Tonie Figure features Angelina in her pink tutu striking an exciting dance pose. The Tonie features 10 stories based on the original series of children’s books, for a total listening time of 73 minutes. Whether it’s Angelina’s Birthday, Angelina and the Royal Wedding, or the original Angelina Ballerina story, kids will have plenty of story content with the little mouse.
The Angelina Ballerina Tonie figure is available now on the Tonies website. Kids can sashay their way into a perfect bedtime story buddy with Angelina and her adventures!
Angelina is a charming mouse who dreams of becoming a famous ballerina at Camembert Academy. This Angelina Ballerina figure can play 10 stories with a total runtime of 73 minutes based on the beloved children's book series. Kids can place the figure on a Toniebox (sold separately) and enjoy the audio storytelling experience.
Disney and LEGO make a dream team, both channeling the magic of storytelling through their new YouTube series, Making Wonder. Each episode challenges an inspirational creator to build a LEGO Disney experience.
The first episode launched on April 20, featuring Disney Princess-inspired go-karts built from LEGO bricks, followed by a second episode showcasing a Minnie Mouse-inspired dress made with LEGO Dots. We have your exclusive first look at the third episode in the series, featuring a parade float made entirely of LEGO bricks!
If you’ve ever been to a Disney theme park, you’ve probably experienced one of the themed parades. This 8-minute episode brings viewers inside the celebration of a Disney parade as LEGO Master Builder Pete Donner and Disney Live Entertainment Art Director Catie DelleMonache join hosts Mari Copeny and Nicole Laeno to create a very special float. Mother-daughter-duo Tianne and Heaven King also join the party to create a one-of-a-kind dance number to accompany the LEGO brick-built float. Viewers can even learn the dance steps to celebrate 100 years of Disney. Stay tuned until the end to see appearances from two surprise Disney guests!
You can watch the episode here before it is released to the public at noon E.T. There will be six total episodes in the series, so follow Disney on YouTube to keep up with them all!
LEGO cars are always fun to build, race, and cruise around in, now, kids can take them to the virtual world.
LEGO 2K Driveis an open-world video game designed for kids ages 10 and up. Players get to speed through LEGO City, switch vehicles, explore, and race their friends. When kids aren’t exploring the expansive open world, they can play in Story Mode, in which they can race in tournaments and play mini games!
Kids can explore the open world or follow story mode in LEGO 2K Drive. | Source: The LEGO Group
Over the next few weeks, LEGO is hosting events to celebrate the launch of LEGO 2K Drive with players. Starting tomorrow, May 19, the LEGO Store on 5th Avenue in New York City will host a LEGO 2K Drive launch event featuring gaming stations to test out the game, photo opportunities, and a communal LEGO mural for visitors to add onto. The launch event will run until May 29.
On May 27, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., PrestonYT, a YouTube gaming influencer with more than 14 million subscribers, will host the PrestonPlayz event. Guests can take part in a meet-and-greet, LEGO giveaways, and the chance for kids to challenge Preston to a race in LEGO 2K Drive.
Kids can get the LEGO Mclaren by finding the LEGO 2K Drive trucks and cars in New York City this weekend! | Source: The LEGO Group
From May 19-23, special LEGO 2K Drive-themed cars and trucks will drive around the city giving out mini LEGO Mclaren sets. The cars will ruise around Manhattan for eight hours a day, so kids will have plenty of time to find them! Finally, from May 22-24, a LEGO City bus will drive around the city to visit iconic New York City landmarks, including Rockefeller Center, with kids. The LEGO City bus will have exciting activities, an interactive photo-op, and gaming stations for kids to play with!
LEGO 2K Drive is currently available on Nintendo Switch, Playstation, Xbox, and PC for $69.99 at lego.2k.com. Kids will want to speed to the LEGO store in New York City for the launch event and other fun moments to experience before playing LEGO 2K Drive!
It’s that time of year again! With National Dinosaur Day falling on June 1, it’s time to give your kids something more exciting than looking at a bunch of fossils in a museum.
From June 3-4, Sesame Place Philadelphia and Just Play are hosting a special dino-size event for all young paleontologists. The Dino Stomp Celebration brings Sesame Streetlovers the chance to travel back to the days of the dinosaurs in a weekend of themed dinner experiences, exciting scavenger hunts, prizes, and more!
Each day before the celebration opens to the public, two golden dinosaur eggs will be hidden somewhere in the park. If your kid is lucky enough to find one of the eggs and bring it to the Welcome Center, they’ll win their very own plush Dino Stomp Elmo toy from Just Play!
Event banner | Source: Sesame Place Philadelphia/Just Play
Golden Eggs | Source: Sesame Place Philadelphia/Just Play
In between the hectic scavenger hunt, families can get photo-ops with their favorite Sesame Street characters during Dino Dine, a themed buffet-style eating experience with tasty prehistoric treats. The colorful muppets will be around offering a meet-and-greet for fans while wearing their adorable dinosaur costumes!
Guests will get the chance to explore new attractions at the park like Bert & Ernie’s Splashy Shores and Big Bird’s Beach. Families can also get more photos with the furry gang at the Photo with Elmo and Friends activation, as well as photo-ops in a recreation of the famous Sesame Street neighborhood.
Parents can bring their kids to the Dino Stomp Celebration by buying tickets on sesameplace.com/philadelphia. Tickets for guests ages 10 and up cost $49.99, kids from ages 2-9 are $29.99, and kids under 23 months are free!
This 13-inch Elmo plush features the iconic character from Sesame Street dressed in a green dinosaur costume. Elmo moves his arms, stomps along to the “If You’re Happy and You Know It” song, and encourages kids to join in the fun.
Toy Insider Editor-in-Chief Marissa Silva joined NBC News Daily to discuss how parents can find pre-owned baby gear that is safe and affordable. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the season, be sure to check out The Toy Insider’s Spring and Summer Gift Guide.
The 7-in-1 Senses & Stages Developmental Gym is the perfect gym for babies' first year of life and into the toddler years. Start off by laying the baby on the soft fabric mat with six overhead toys that provide visual stimulation with black-and-white patterns, a mirror, and bright colors. Next, balance out back-sleeping with tummy…
These subscription-based play kits are filled with Montessori toys for all developmental stages, from newborns to kids up to 5 years old. Playkit pieces work together, so they can age up as children do. Each kit includes an activity guide that parents can use for inspiration on how best to introduce, play with, and learn…
Get ready, lovers of Hello Kitty! Jazwares has acquired an agreement to make a line of toys featuring Sanrio characters, expected to launch next year.
The line will include beloved characters such as Hello Kitty, Kuromi, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, and Keroppi, as well as well-known characters from the Netflix series, such as Aggretsuko and Gudetama. The line is expected to include plastic toys, plush, and seasonal items.
While kids wait for the next Jazwares toy release, they can have a look at other popular brands the toy company has worked with, such as Pokémon, Star Wars, CoComelon, and Fortnite. Jazwares also owns the ever-popular Squishmallows, a plush line known for its incredible softness and squishiness.
Gudetama is one of the characters expected in the new line of products. | Source: Netflix
Kids can also check out the Netflix series Gudetama: An Eggcellent Adventure if they’d like to find their next favorite Sanrio character before the new toys come out. The series features the lazy egg yolk Gudetama as he helps a newly hatched chick get home.
The newest Hello Kitty and Friends toys from Jazwares are expected to launch next year at in-person retailers as well as online stores. Whether kids can’t get enough Kuromi or My Melody, there’ll be a fun new toy for them to enjoy!
What happens when you have LEGO bricks and big ideas?
Chronicle Books has the answer with the new LEGO Heroes book. In the book, author and expert LEGO builder Graham E. Hancock explores 12 different builds that have done good in the world. Hancock is known for his love of LEGOs. An editor at Blocks Magazine, a publication devoted to all things LEGO, Graham has plenty of prior experience writing about his favorite bricks. Now, he takes readers through an inspiring tale of LEGOs used to solve problems in sustainability, technology, accessibility, and more.
Builders can use special LEGO Bricks to write in braille. | Source: Chronicle Books
People have used LEGOs to build custom prosthetic arms. | Source: Chronicle Books
LEGO Heroes: LEGO Builders Changing Our World —One Brick at a Time features 12 stories of builders of different ages across the globe, all devoted to using LEGO to help make the world a better place. Whether making a wheelchair for an injured turtle, assisting with coral preservation research, or developing prosthetic arms, creative builders have used LEGOs in a variety of settings and builds to help solve big problems.
The new LEGO Heroes book is available now for interested readers. Join the best of the builders as they tackle challenges using their favorite Bricks in this book perfect for inspiring little LEGO fans everywhere.
This book highlights 12 LEGO builders that have used the well-known construction toy to tackle problems in sustainability, education, and research. It features stories of building projects, such as a wheelchair for a hurt turtle and custom prosthetic arms, all made with LEGOs.
Stringamajig is a guessing game in which players must draw or act out their words for other players to guess. The catch is, they have to use a loop of string to do it. Designed for teens and adults, Stringamajig gives players one minute to create and guess as many string creations as possible.
Stringamajig combines charades and drawing games for the ultimate guessing fun! | Source: Fireside Games
Some words featured in the game include “Turtle,” “Oklahoma,” “Eiffel Tower,” and more. While players can create some words by drawing an outline using the string, teens can also act out their words like they would in a game of charades. For example, they could use the string like a steering wheel so that their friends guess the word “Car.”
There are also challenge words that have an extra catch to them. Some words require players to team up to create the word, draw the word out in the air, draw with their eyes closed, or avoid forbidden words!
Stringamajig is available for $19.95 at firesidegames.com and Amazon. We’re not stringing you along: This game is really great for teens and adults!
Bitzee pets, new interactive digital pets from Spin Master, are colorful displays that kids can touch, feel, and interact with in a new kind of play experience.
Housed inside a purple pod, Bitzee starts as an 8-bit puppy character. Just like a real pet, it needs love and care to help it grow. Virtual interactions allow kids to feed them, rock them to sleep, and clean up after them. The pets respond to tilts, swipes, and shakes with sounds and reactions. When the love meter is full, Bitzee is ready to evolve.
Each Bitzee evolves from a baby to an adult and then to a super Bitzee. Kids can collect up to 15 characters in one pod, including a puppy, a hedgehog, a bunny, and more. Rare and legendary characters are also available, including a butterfly, a poodle, a chameleon, a mercat, and a unicorn. Once the digital pet becomes a super Bitzee, kids discover its special outfit and its unique game to play. For example in the mouse’s game, Chef, kids have to catch the falling ingredients, or in the unicorn’s game, Party Animals, kids have to break the piñata.
Bitzee will be available starting on Aug. 1 at select major retailers for $29.99. It is recommended for kids ages 5 and up.
Crayola has been shining bright for decades — and its products have always been a go-to for parents to keep little ones busy and entertained on the go.
Designed for kids ages 6 and up, the Crayola Travel Glow Art Studio will spark kids’ creativity in a super unique way as they venture away from home. This set features an art studio — a bright-orange, lightweight drawing board that is about the size of a letter sheet of paper. The drawing surface looks like a whiteboard, but there is actually a little more magic in it than that. When kids use the included light wand to draw, their creations show up as glow-in-the-dark light art.
Kids simply press the button on the light wand — a jumbo-size drawing pen that features a bright light instead of ink. When they drag the light tip along the glow board, they’ll magically see their light-up creations become works of art. Kids can create in different ways: holding the light wand so it’s touching the board will result in crisp, bright images; NS holding the wand further away will create thicker lines or blur effects. The darker it is, the brighter your masterpiece will glow.
Kids can use the light wand to draw glow-in-the-dark art! | Source: Crayola
Unlike your typical mess-free travel toys, this budget-friendly option provides a unique play experience that makes it perfect for situations that other sets out there can’t conquer. Since kids can create in the dark, it truly is a toy that fills a void that others can’t: Kids can use it to draw without any overhead light in the car, to soothe anxiety when sleeping away from home without turning on the lights in hotels or at a sleepover, or even to entertain themselves during a surprise rainstorm on a camping trip.
The suction cups on the back of the art studio allow it to stick to a window — so kids can attach it to the car window for some decor after they draw, or use the window to prop it up as an easel while they create. It’s also easy to use on a lap or a tabletop. The board also features a place to store the light wand and a handle on the back so kids can easily grip it as they carry it on the go. Parents will want to be prepped with 3 AAA batteries to power the light wand, and maybe be sure to pack a few extras if your little one is really loving it!
Wherever you may be heading this summer, make sure kids’ creativity shines bright with the Travel Glow Art Studio.
Young travelers can create while on the go with this portable, light-up art set. The glow screen and light wand make kids' drawings light up, and the artwork will disappear over time so kids can make something new.
The Stable Buddies Willow Unicorn 6 Volt Plush Ride-On is fantastic for little unicorn lovers! The willow is made of soft plush material and reaches a maximum speed of 2.5 MPH. This 6 Volt Ride-On features magical unicorn sounds, a light-up horn, and a play stable.
This version of the classic arcade game inflates to more than 11 feet long, allowing families to play a giant round of Skee-Ball at home. The set comes with four rubber balls, a pump, and ground stakes.
Kids can launch the Shark Rocket up to 6 feet above the water and compete to see who can launch it the highest. Thanks to the hydrodynamic design, the Shark Rocket is pool-powered and requires no batteries. It is lightweight and easy to carry.
Get the kids out for a water adventure with the Hydro-Force Wavecrest Youth Stand-Up Paddleboard Set. This board is categorized as an all-around board, meaning it is the perfect shape for safe rides on flat water and small waves. This SUP is constructed with drop stitch material, thousands of fibers that connect the top and…
The All-Pro Passer is programmed to throw accurate football spirals like a quarterback. It features nine different passing zones to launch the ball more than 25 yards. Kids can select their play and press hike, slant, post, short, or long. Players can practice alone or with others.
The classic Pie Face game is now a no-mess water sprinkler game! Pie Face Splash Game is easy to set up, kids can start playing in four easy steps: connect the hose, spin the spinner, push the handle, and try to complete a turn without getting sprayed. With each pump of the handle, there’s a…
Ready, set, GO! Beginning this month, Crayola and Kubota Tractor Corporation are bringing a limited-time, touring experience to four Crayola family attractions across the country. As part of Raceway Takeover by Kubota, kids can join the pit crew as they take part in hands-on mechanic activities and work with authentic Kubota equipment.
From tractors to RTVs, kids can use their newfound pit crew prowess to help Kubota get Crayonville’s new raceway ready for action. Some mini pit crew activities families can expect include participating in tire change challenges and playing a virtual Kubota tractor simulator game. Kids can also race each other with Kubota toy cars complete with Crayola accessories. Parents can relive the memory of Raceway Takeover forever by getting a family photo-op in front of kid-size Kubota race cars and trucks.
Family photo | Source: Crayola/Kubota
Raceway Takeover Flyer | Source: Crayola/Kubota
Kubota will throw free-to-the-public grand opening events at each participating Crayola attraction, offering live demonstrations from its NASCAR partner, Trackhouse Racing. Kids can put their mechanical skills to the test by participating in fun challenges like changing relays, gas refill speed tests, and tire obstacle courses.
Raceway Takeover by Kubota kicks off in Orlando on May 25, running through June 18. From this month until Jan. 2, 2024, the touring event will stop at Chandler, Arizona; Easton, Pennsylvania; and Plano, Texas. Families can also access Raceway Takeover by Kubota at home with activities and coloring books from Crayola’s official website.
Visit crayolaexperience.com/kubota for more information on dates and activities coming to a Crayola family attraction near you.
The most important part of any Pokémon journey is choosing your starter from the Grass, Water, and Fire-type options. Now young trainers can experience all these Pokémon types with the newest interactive books in the Pokémon Primer series!
The Pokémon Primers books are made for kids ages 3 and up, and include stories and graphics that use different Pokémon species to teach kids about numbers, letters, colors, and more. In addition to using the fun of Pokémon to keep younger kids interested, the books feature physical flaps that little readers can lift to reveal even more Pokémon and Pokémon items.
'Pokémon Primers: Grass Types' Book | Source: Pikachu Press
'Pokémon Primers Fire Types' Book | Source: Pikachu Press
'Pokémon Primers Water Types' Book | Source: Pikachu Press
The newest three books in the series will launch on June 6. Pokémon Primers: Grass Types is full of green fun, with favorite Grass-type Pokémon like Turtwig, Grookey, Grovyle, and more. It is available for preorder on Amazon and Target. Pokémon Primers: Fire Types takes kids on a trip to the fire station with Pokémon like Litten, Charmander, and Cyndaquil. Preorder it now on Amazon or Target. Finally, head down to the ocean with Pokémon Primers: Water Types. This book features Pokémon like Totodile, Wailmer, and Horsea having fun in the sun with a day at the beach. It is available to preorder on Amazon and Target.
Each of the new Pokémon Primers books includes fun secrets to discover under flaps, as well as helpful Pokémon name pronunciation tips for young readers. Catch your little trainer’s favorite Pokémon by preordering the books now!
The Toy Insider, the source for the hottest kids’ toys and gifts, has opened submissions for consideration for its 18th annual Holiday Gift Guide! All submissions are due by June 16.
If you have a great toy, game, or gift you’d like to be considered for inclusion in The Toy Insider, please click this link to fill out the submission form. Products must be new for 2023 and must be on retail shelves no later than Nov. 1.
Featured online at thetoyinsider.com, the guide will showcase the best toys and gifts for the holiday season. Reaching millions of consumers, The Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide will feature more than 350 toys for kids of all ages. The guide also includes The Toy Insider’s iconic Hot 20, 12 Under $20, and STEM 10 lists. In total, The Toy Insider generated more than 16.8 billion media impressions in 2022. Now in its 18th year, The Toy Insider is a trusted resource for parents and gift-givers all year long.
For full details regarding the submission process, fees, and samples, please visit this page. For any questions regarding the submission process, please reach out to Ali Mierzejewski.
The ghost of Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guides past.
The Toy Insider reaches millions of parents and grandparents each year, and especially during the all-important Q4 holiday season. Its incredible team of expert toy reviewers is trusted by media outlets across North America, appearing in hundreds of earned media segments every year, advising consumers on the best gifts to get the kids in their lives.
Combined with millions of digital, social, and print impressions, The Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide Program provides maximum exposure to consumers for our brand partners all year. For more information and rates, please contact Jackie Breyer jackie@toyinsider.com or James Devin jd@toyinsider.com for details on how you can be a part of the action!
Toy Insider Media Correspondent Deborah Stallings Stumm joined Arizona’s Daily Mix on KZAT-TV to show off the best new water toys that are sure to be a big splash this summer. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the season, be sure to check out The Toy Insider’s Spring and Summer Gift Guide.
Kids can slide and get soaked with this interactive,16-foot water slide complete with a built-in water blaster. It holds up to 110 lbs and includes a slide with a padded splash pool and an 18-foot soft jet blaster.
Kids can sit under the shaded canopy, cool off under the water sprayer, and climb up the climbing wall in this mega water park. When it’s too cold for the water features, kids can use the park without them for year-round play.
Kids can fill and tie over 100 tropical party-color water balloons in less than a minute. These self-sealing water balloons feature innovative O-ring technology and rapid fill capabilities. Kids can simply connect each bunch to a tap or a hose, fill, and make dozens of water balloons at once.
Get in on the action with the original backyard disc game, KAN JAM, the ultimate team game and requires teamwork, strategy, and execution. Played similarly to cornhole or horseshoes, the object of the game is to toss the disc toward the goal. KAN JAM is lightweight yet durable and is the perfect game to take to…
Create an endless amount of bubbles! Designed with fun styling and bold colors, this is sure to be a bubble blowing hit this summer. It's easy to use, just screw in the bubble solution and pull the trigger to blow a continuous streak of bubbles. Kids will love the fast bubble blowing action and parents…
For more than 25 years, babies have been bouncing around and playing in ExerSaucer jumpers and activity centers. Now, the brand has teamed up with clothes-maker IHL Group to bring new baby clothes onto the scene.
The collection will include playwear, sleepwear, basics, outerwear, socks, baby blankets, and bibs for infants through toddlers. Caregivers can expect sensory-friendly baby clothes from the legendary baby brand to hit the market next spring, available for purchase wherever they can find ExerSaucer toys, including Walmart, Target, Amazon, department stores, and more.
Each ExerSaucer toy has fun themes, colors, and experiences! | Source: Evenflo
Each ExerSaucer toy has fun themes, colors, and experiences! | Source: Evenflo
While you wait and see what this collection has up its sleeve, check out ExerSaucer baby toys. ExerSaucer toys are full of bright colors and themes to keep babies engaged and entertained. For example, the Polar Playground Activity Center features an arctic theme, with an icy color palette and activities featuring polar bears, penguins, whales, and more.
If summer snuck up on you, Target has you covered!
Summer vacation is the perfect time for families to enjoy the outdoors at parks, pools, and more. If you didn’t find a moment during the school year to grab the perfect summer goods, Target has a whole pile of options designed to give kids — and adults — a summer they won’t forget! With pools, pickleball, popsicles, and more, everyone will be ready to enjoy some fun in the sun, for prices as low as $10.
Chill Out Pool Float Tropical – Sun Squad ($10) | Source: Target
MINNIDIP Splash Pad – Citrus Wave ($31.99) | Source: Target
66" Bold Stripe Inflatable Pool Gold/Cream – Hearth & Hand with Magnolia ($39.99) | Source: Target
MINNIDIP Pool Minni-Minni – Gradient Splash ($31.99) | Source: Target
Nothing screams summer like a day at the pool! The Chill Out Pool Float has a tropical aesthetic to make any pool trip feel like a full vacation getaway. The inflatable float has two handles for security as well as cup holders for a frosty bev. Get it here.
For a water day in the yard, the Minnidip Splash Pad is perfect. Designed for children ages 3 and up, the Splash Pad features a fruit-filled design and height-adjustable sprinklers so every kid can be sure to get a splash! Get it here.
Target has mini pools perfect for when you can’t make it out to your neighborhood pool party. The Minnidip Pool is 4 feet wide and also for kids ages 3 and up. Get it here.
And for a bigger mini pool experience, the Hearth & Hand pool has a bold stripe pattern and three air chambers to keep the fun inflated. Get it here.
Mini Portable Bluetooth Speaker – heyday with Anh Tran ($19.99) | Source: Target
Bocce Molded Plastic Toss Game Set – Sun Squad ($20) | Source: Target
Pickleball Set 4pc – Hearth & Hand with Magnolia ($19.99) | Source: Target
Silicone Popsicle Mold Gold/Cream – Hearth & Hand with Magnolia ($12.99) | Source: Target
What party is complete without some tunes? This Mini Portable Bluetooth Speaker will make sure you have the perfect music for your next summer get-together. Get it here.
For activities that kids won’t be able to resist, the Bocce Molded Plastic Toss Game Set includes everything needed for kids ages 6 and up to have fun with a new lawn game. Get it here.
Kids can also get in on the pickleball craze with a four-piece set from Hearth & Hand and Magnolia. Get it here.
Finally, after lots of active play, anyone would appreciate a chill snack like popsicles made with the Silicone Popsicle Mold. Get it here.
Target’s seasonal products are sure to make a splash this summer. For more fun toy and games suggestions the whole family will enjoy, check out The Toy Insider’s Spring & Summer gift guide, full of hundreds of toys chosen by experts.
In the springtime, cars get covered in mud, pollen, and all sorts of other gross things, which means it’s time for a car wash!
Kids love helping clean up their adults’ cars, especially when it involves playing with the water and the soap suds, so Laurie Berkner’s latest single, “Wash It,” is all about the car wash. The song was even inspired by a fan!
Laurie Berkner has been making kids music for more than 25 years! | Source: Two Tomatoes Records
“At the height of the pandemic, when I was doing one of my live ‘Berkner Break’ online concerts, I received a comment from a fan asking for a song about washing vehicles since their son just loved washing cars and trucks,” Berkner says. “I thought it was a great idea but forgot about it until the end of last year when I suddenly recalled the request and was inspired to write ‘Wash It.'”
In the song, Laurie drives her car, truck, and bus through the mud, then they have to be cleaned! Laurie pulls out a hose and gets cleaning to ‘60s-inspired music.
“Wash It” is available to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, and more. Car washes have never been more fun!
If Cornhole or Spikeball are go-to backyard games for your family, then RampShot Bounce might be your next summer staple.
As someone who would rather not intentionally break a sweat, especially on a hot summer day or at a barbeque, I have to say this yard game is a winner in my book. The game is very similar to classic Cornhole — with a twist — and the bouncy balls make it great for crowds and players of all ages because if you want to make it a more physically active game, you can!
The cool thing about RampShot Bounce is that both teammates are involved in the play every time, so there’s no sitting out for your partner’s turn or waiting on the sidelines.
The game comes with two boards and two balls. | Source: RampShot
The game comes with two boards and two bouncy balls about the size of tennis balls. They are bright yellow so you can easily find them in the grass and they are soft to ensure no one gets hurt.
Assemble the boards in a few quick seconds, place them 10-15 feet apart, grab four players (two versus two), and you are ready to play. Teammates stand on opposite sides of the play area and work together to score points by both tossing and catching the balls. One teammate stands behind the board and tosses two balls toward the opposite board. Their partner stands behind their own board attempting to catch any ball that bounces off the board. After both partners complete two tosses each, the balls are passed to the opposing team.
If the ball is shot directly into the goal, you are awarded three points. If your teammate catches the ball after it bounces off the board, you earn one point. Essentially, the game can be very competitive for skilled players while on the other hand, someone who lacks throwing skills can still enjoy the catch portion, and vice versa. The first team to earn 15 points wins.
The boards are designed with grooves on top to create unpredictable bounces and lots of excitement. Kids can work on their reflexes, reaction time, hand-eye coordination, and motor skills in this highly-interactive game. It also promotes teamwork because your partner actually has a chance to assist you during your turn by catching on the other end.
Players can decide how best to position themselves and which angles are best for tossing so that if they miss, their partner can still snag a point for the team. Younger kids can play with the boards closer together and kids who want more of a challenge can place the boards further apart.
RampShot Bounce is fun for all ages. | Source: RampShot
You can even have fun deciding on “house rules” that aren’t specified in the instructions. For example, is a point awarded when the ball bounces first before reaching the board? You decide! There is even an opportunity for the other team to “steal” an extra turn if they catch your partner’s toss. The full, in-depth instructions can be downloaded after scanning the included QR code.
All in all, RampShot Bounce is durable, portable, lightweight, and weather resistant so you can take it to the beach and not worry about it breaking or getting wet. The set includes a convenient storage bag for the quick-connect legs and balls. If you want to store the boards with the rest of the pieces, you’ll have to find a bigger storage bag, but they are durable and easy to carry on their own.
Four-player outdoor game for all ages that utilizes two boards and two bouncy balls. Two players work together to score points by both tossing and catching.
Kids may not be able to become royalty like their favorite Disney Princess, but they can be royally glamorous with a new addition to Jakks Pacific’s Disney Princess style collection.
Designed for kids ages 3 and up, the Trendy Makeup Tools and Tote playset comes with an assortment of pretend makeup and beauty tools inspired by Disney princesses.
The pretend play kit comes inside a clear plastic container that features a handle for on-the-go play. There are six pretend accessories in the tote: lipstick featuring Cinderella; perfume decorated with Mulan, Aurora, and Belle; a mirrored powder compact; mascara featuring Tiana; lipgloss with Snow White on it; and a jade roller.
These pretend-play cosmetics are perfect for younger kids, perfectly on trend,and won’t leave a mess! | Source: Jakks Pacific
All of these are made of plastic, of course, but they are packed with details and interactive elements that elevate their pretend play value. The jade roller, for example, imitates the trendy makeup tool with marbled beads at each end that can really roll. Kids can pump the perfume dispenser, open the compact to discover a pretend powder puff, turn the lipstick tube to see more of the lipstick, and take the mascara and lip gloss wands out of their containers.
In addition to pretend play, these elements offer a lot for kids who are sensory seekers. Across the six accessories, there is a wide variety of textures and many moving pieces for kids to explore.
The accessories in this tote come laid out in a plastic tray, which has a designated space for each. While this clearly isn’t intended to be a permanent feature, you may want to consider holding on to it. Leaving the tray inserted keeps the accessories from rattling around loose within the tote, but removing it leaves more room for kids’ other favorite toys, craft supplies, and more to take on the go.
While the pieces aren’t directly inspired by items from Disney movies, kids who adore Disney princesses will love feeling just as glamorous as their favorite characters. And the adults will appreciate that this pretend play set costs less than $20!
This set comes with modern Disney Princess-themed play accessories, including a jade roller, a mirror compact with a sponge, a perfume bottle, mascara, and lip gloss and lipstick. The case has a handle for on-the-go play.
School’s almost out and Cartoon Network, Max, and Cartoonito are bringing kids’ entertainment to your air-conditioned living rooms this May!
Families can expect new episodes of beloved shows likeBatwheels, Sesame Street, We Baby Bears, and Teen Titans Go!, along with the family-friendly premiere of the mystical series Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai. Plus, there are tons of kid-approved movies!
Head over to HBO Max to catch up on new episodes of Batwheels and Sesame Street that aired this past week. In “C Ya Later,” the latest episode of Sesame Street, the rock band HAIM sings the alphabet song.
Looking for more action? The next installment of Batwheels episodes will bring Catwoman’s iconic car Kitty to life for the first time to play an epic game of Bat-Ball. Future episodes will even feature The Riddler as he causes havoc across Gotham City.
Every Saturday morning, kids can watch new episodes of Teen Titans Go! on Cartoon Network. Kids can also tune into the Memorial Day Weekend marathon of every episode of Craig of the Creek, including “The Heart of the Forest” episodes. Following the marathon, five new episodes will premiere on May 29.
The new series comes from executive producers Steven Spielberg and Tze Chun. | Source: WarnerMedia
The new animated series, Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai, is sure to be a hit this summer. A prequel to the Gremlin films, the series will chronicle the adventures of the Wing family and their encounters with the young Mogwai named Gizmo. Season 1 will have 10 total episodes, with the first two episodes premiering on May 23. Following premiere week, two new episodes will release every Thursday. The series will feature an all-star cast and special guests like Sandra Oh and Zach Galligan.
Lastly, families can tune in every weekend to catch a family-friendly film. The lineup for this month includes Smallfoot, Scoob, and Unicorn: Warriors Eternal Marathon. So sit back, relax, and enjoy some chill time with your little ones with these kid-friendly faves!
It’s unofficially summertime, which means everyone is finalizing their vacation plans, signing up for summer camp, and trying to find ways to find a bit of paradise this season. For kids ages 4 and up, paradise can arrive in a 15-inch-long cardboard box.
Wiltopia: Tropical Jungle is the latest Wiltopia offering from the construction brand Playmobil and includes everything from poseable monkeys to golden coconuts, decorative vines, and figures. The playset also includes image-based instructions that early readers can use to assemble it right out of the box. And it doesn’t hurt that it’s made with 80% sustainable materials.
With this half of the playset, kids can catch fish in the lake or use the target to practice their skills on a bow and arrow. | Source: Playmobil
After snapping everything in place, kids can choose to decorate their jungle however they’d like — using the included flowers, vines, and baby monkeys to really add some zen to their playset. Similar to other Wiltopia sets, it includes tons of story-telling accessories kids can use along with the figures such as toy food items and baby birds.
Kids can use the other half of the playset to climb up the ladder or roll coconuts down the slide, both halves can be put together to create a larger playset. | Source: Playmobil
There are truly endless ways to play with Wiltopia: Tropical Jungle, from catching the rubber fishes in the pond to shooting an arrow at the target. The playset even includes a collectible card that is full of facts on sloths. Parents can purchase this set alone to keep kids entertained for hours, or they can combine it with other Wiltopia Tropical playsets to create a mini Wiltopia universe!
Getting your preschooler to a tropical paradise this summer might be out-of-bounds, but with this Wiltopia playset, kids can enjoy all the elements of paradise — without a pricey plane ticket.
Discover Wiltopia’s first eco-friendly product consisting of, on average, more than 80% sustainable materials. There’s plenty of action for young explorers at the jungle playground. The fruits of the trees can be harvested and rolled down the ball track. Includes a viewing platform, a kid’s swing, a climbing net, a target for archery, and a…
Carbon City Zero: A Collaborative Board Game is a new board game from Laurence King Publishing, made in collaboration with the climate-action organization Possible and Finnish illustrator Rami Niemi. The game will launch this July with proceeds going to climate action projects.
The game features fun illustrations by Rami Niemi. | Source: Laurence King Publishing
The board game asks 2-4 players ages 8 and up to collaborate in making a city sustainable. This will include areas such as transport, industry, governments, and even convincing the city’s inhabitants. Every player of the game will start with an identical deck of cards and will have the ability to buy additional cards from a shared marketplace. Players will have to balance income with reducing carbon, all to achieve the goal of a truly sustainable city and win the game.
Possible was founded in 2009 with the goal of cutting carbon by 10% by 2010. The organization has been involved in a number of sustainability and climate action initiatives in the UK, such as increasing the use of solar power in railways, campaigning for reducing cars in cities, and granting perks to travelers who vacation sustainably.
The game’s royalties will go toward climate action projects increasing sustainability. Bookmark the buy pages and get ready for little green activists to get into action with Carbon City Zero: A Collaborative Board Game.
In this board game, players will take on the role of building a sustainable city. Using a deck and cards bought from the shared marketplace, 2-4 players ages 8 and up need to balance their budget while reducing carbon.
Just as quickly as toddlers start moving, they start grooving and dancing along to melodies. The CoComelon Tiny Tunes Music Melon from eKids takes this natural love of music and turns it into a party for the whole family. Even if kids aren’t quite old enough to sing, they can jam along with their favorite CoComelon tunes.
This adorable melon-shaped music box comes with six plastic figures, which play a tune when kids place them on top of Chase. Toddlers can choose between “Wheels on the Bus,” “Yes Yes Bedtime,” “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” “Baa Baa Black Sheep,” “Yes Yes Vegetables,” and “Hickory Dickory Dok.” If your toddler is anything like mine, you’ll hear each one in a span of 20 seconds — but that’s all part of the fun!
Something I didn’t expect was to be able to watch my daughter learn cause and effect in real-time. When she placed the figure onto the melon she got to dance but when she took it back off the music suddenly stopped (which was met with an “uh-oh” from her). After a few times of off-and-on, she understood that if she wanted to boogie oogie oogie, it was time to leave the figure alone. Does she remember this lesson every time she plays? Of course not, but it’s a good way to keep her constantly learning. She also figured out early on that she could make big noises with the real-working microphone. This is probably a good time to mention that you can control the volume.
Another reason I like this Music Melon is that it’s easy for a small child who needs to carry everything everywhere to do so (… is that just my kid?). It’s compact enough for little hands to pick up and place (and replace) all over their toy room. The accessories are also small and easily able to be stored when playtime is over, but big enough to not pose a choking hazard.
There’s a melon reasons to love this new toy! | Source: ekids
Speaking of post-playtime, this musical little fruit can also be used as part of kids’ nighttime routine! It features calming melodies and white noise that parents can put on either a 30-minute or one-hour sleep timer. The songs are played without lyrics, to induce maximum sleepiness for the tot who has been playing all day. It also emits a light glow that’s enough to help parents see where they’re placing their little ones in their crib, without it being a distraction for the sleepy kids. If parents prefer, they can turn this light off with the sound still going.
Karaoke with a toddler is remarkably a lot like karaoke nights in your early 20s — it’s pure chaos and someone might cry, but you’ll have a whole lot of fun. Happy dancing!
This musical toy for toddlers includes six magnetic musical activators that each play a different song when kids place them on the platform. Toddlers can sing along to their favorite CoComelon songs using the included wired microphone. When playtime is over, it doubles as a night light and has a timer to play built-in lullabies…
Nothing says summer fun like bubbles! With a selection of bubble toys, machines, and inflatables with your little one’s favorite characters on them, Little Kids has what any preschooler needs to turn their backyard into a bubble-filled wonderland.
Characters like Bluey, Spider-Man, Minnie Mouse, and dogs from the PAW Patrol crew can join your kids with the Balloobles Bubble Machine for $29.99. Kids can inflate the 15-inch characters and play with them in handheld mode or place the Balloobles machine on a tabletop to watch bubbles travel to the sky. All it takes is a dash of bubble solution — which comes with every Little Kids bubble toy — and three AA batteries for the Balloobles Bubble Machine to spew a storm of bubbles that your kids can frolic in.
Got a natural born singer in the house? The Bluey Dance Mode Bubble Mic might be just for them! Featuring everyone’s favorite cartoon Blue Heeler and four ounces of bubble solution, this Bubble Mic is voice-activated, blowing bubbles as your little one sings their heart out. The Bubble Mic costs $17.99.
BLUEY Ballooble Bubble Machine | Source: Little Kids
Minnie Mouse Ballooble Bubble Machine | Source: Little Kids
Spiderman BLUEY Ballooble Bubble Machine | Source: Little Kids
For just $9.99, the Fubbles Light-Up Bubble Torch offers a luminous flashlight feature — perfect for nighttime bubble catching. It comes with four ounces of bubbles to make kids’ after-bedtime adventures even more exciting. Parents can snag a Fubbles Light-Up Bubble Torch at fatbraintoys.com.
Fubbles Light-Up Bubble Torch | Source: Little Kids
If your little angel is obsessed with CoComelon or Baby Shark (every toddler is at one point), then the No-Spill Musical Bubble Machine is a great present to bring the fun to any birthday party. Whether they want a machine of Brooklyn “Baby” Shark, the famous CoComelon watermelon logo, or the Fubbles design, this bubble machine gives toddlers endless fun with no mess for $17.60-19.99!
CoComelon NO Spill Musical Bubble Machine | Source: Little Kids
Baby Shark NO Spill Musical Bubble Machine | Source: Little Kids
Parents can purchase bubble toys for their kids at Amazon and most major retailers where toys are sold!
Kids can blow tons of continuous bubbles and sing along to the “Baby Shark” song with this Baby Shark bubble machine. It includes a bottle of bubble solution and features a no-spill design to prevent accidental messes.
Sing along to “The Wheels on the Bus” song with the CoComelon Musical No Spill Bubble Machine! The machine plays music and blows continuous streams of bubbles. Features a unique, no-spill design to prevent accidental bubble spills for less mess and more smiles. Includes 3.38 fluid ounces of premium bubble solution.
Balloobles combine the fun of balloons and bubbles into a new play experience. Each Ballooble is a 15-inch, inflatable bubble machine in the shape of a popular preschool character, including Bluey, Minnie Mouse, PAW Patrol, or Spidey & His Amazing Friends. Kids can play with Balloobles in two ways: handheld or tabletop play.
This bubble machine provides up to an hour of nonstop bubble magic before it needs to be refilled. It features three no-spill bubble blowing wands and holds 20 fluid ounces of bubble solution.
The Fubbles Light-Up Bubble Torch creates an instant bubble party. Kids can press the button to shine a light show on their ceiling and watch as a wild flurry of bubbles comes jetting out. It comes with a 4-oz container of bubble solution.
Water. Earth. Fire. Air. Long ago, the four nations lived in harmony. Then, everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked. Now it’s your chance to fight back!
For both fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender and those unfamiliar with the animated TV series, Fire Nation Rising is an entertaining cooperative card and dice game from The Op | USAopoly. As the Fire Nation continues to raid neighboring lands, a group of heroes must band together and strategize as a team. If they succeed, they will restore Balance and stay one step ahead of the Fire Nation. If they fail, Ruin will come to the world.
The game is designed for 1-5 players to take on the roles of Avatar Aang, Katara, Sokka, Toph, or Zuko. There are two main phases to Fire Nation Rising. In the first phase, players can recruit heroes and fight villains in preparation for the Day of Black Sun. They must advance their position on the Balance track as the villains advance their positions on the Ruin track. Whoever reaches the top first has a significant advantage in the second phase of the game. Once the Day of Black Sun occurs, players will fight the Final Battles at Wulong Forest, the Fire Nation Palace, and Ba Sing Se in an attempt to end the Hundred Year War. If 10 heroes or any one team are defeated before they can succeed in all three battles, the players will all lose!
Fire Nation Rising | Source: The Op
Zuko is one possible character to build a team around. | Source: The Op
Players can master the four elements. | Source: The Op
Recommended for kids ages 10 and up, this game can be a bit challenging to learn if players are unfamiliar with The Op’s other Rising games. However, the 12-page rulebook lays out the instructions in a very detailed manner, showing example images of gameplay. My advice would be for players to read through the rulebook first and play the first couple of rounds with it nearby. Once I got the hang of it, gameplay sped up and, all in all, Fire Nation Rising takes roughly an hour to complete.
Despite being based on a kids’ show, there is a lot going on with Fire Nation Rising. The game comes with more than 200 components, including a detailed miniature Firelord Ozai figure and 16 custom dice. This can be a little overwhelming at first, but once players figure out how to use each component, the game makes more sense.
Fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender will especially enjoy the visual nature of the game. All of the hero and villain cards use artwork straight from the series and the game board itself is a colorful representation of the four elements.
Fire Nation Rising is a perfect mix of luck and strategy. Players can get lucky with their dice rolls, but they also have to be smart about how they band together to defeat the Fire Nation. Players must also strike a balance between recruiting new heroes and fighting villains, testing kids’ abilities to prioritize and multitask. One neat aspect about the game is that players can control the level of difficulty. Players who are familiar with the game can customize their experience to be more challenging, while beginners can take an easier route.
At your next family game night, take a shot at mastering the elements and bringing balance to the world with Fire Nation Rising.
The newest edition of the Rising light strategy card and dice game is inspired by the Nickelodeon series Avatar: The Last Airbender. In the game, players work together and recruit others to prevent the advances of the Fire Nation.
Over two decades ago, in 2000, American Girl released its seventh historical character, Kit Kittredge, as the world faced a new millennium and a stock market crash. Twenty-three years later, the story of Kit comes at a valuable economic time for kids and their families as American Girl releases Kit Kittredge’s Special Edition Birthday Collection.
Kit, her dog, and her scooter are back! | Source: Mattel/The Toy Insider
Kit’s story is one of perseverance and resourcefulness as her father loses his job in the Great Depression era and her family turns their home into a boarding house to make money. At first, Kit is resentful of the changes and the chores, but soon learns that life is what you make of it. Rather than focus on the negative, she learns to adapt. Kit finds lessons in life and in the stories of others that she meets. It is a valuable topic about money, family, and strength of character in hard times—and it’s a timely story for kids to learn.
Mattel has re-released Kit and parts of her original collection in this special birthday tribute, which includes a 18-inch Kit doll that matches the original doll from 2000. A fun fact is that Kit was the first historical doll to have short hair, which she still sports in a blond bob style.
Kit Kittredge’s Special Edition Birthday Collection celebrates Kit’s 100th Birthday! | Source: Mattel/The Toy Insider
Her blue eyes complement her short-sleeved lavender knit sweater, a matching long-sleeved lavender knit cardigan, a floral-print linen pleated skirt, and a pair of ivory-hued canvas T-strap sandals. Accessories include a white crocheted cloche hat, a golden-metal compass necklace, a woven purse with embroidered flowers, a cloth handkerchief, and a replica metal Buffalo nickel coin.
Also enclosed in the set is a reprint of the original ‘Meet Kit’ book. It contains a special 100th-birthday introduction from author Valerie Tripp. Why a 100th birthday tribute? Because Kit’s story is that she was born in May 1923!
Many of the classic Kit outfits and accessories are re-released! | Source: Mattel/The Toy Insider
Other sold-separately accessories include the fan-favorite scooter, lunch box, Grace the dog, and the classic birthday outfits and pajamas. The doll retails for $150 on the American Girl website and in its stores. While the cost of the doll may be cost-prohibitive for some families; there are many second-hand dolls, books, DVDs, and other lower price point accessories on Amazon, eBay, or Etsy where kids can learn about Kit, her story, and the lessons that both evoke. Also, contact local parenting groups or Facebook Marketplace groups for dolls that need a new home.
Whether a new doll or a gently loved one, Kit’s story is timeless —and her special collection is timely too. It is a valuable opportunity for discussion, sharing stories, and supporting others in today’s world.
Curious and determined, Kit Kittredge is always on the lookout for a story — but she never dreamed that the hard times of the Depression would become her own story. This special collection includes the 18-inch Kit doll that matches the original doll from 2000. She has blue eyes and a blonde bob styled with…
For the past 21 years, Kidz Bop has been making remixes of popular songs for kids, now it’s joining the audiobook world.
Kidz Bop is hitting the road this summer on the Never Stop Live Tour. A new series of audiobooks on Audible, KidzBop Never Stop: The Tour Bus Adventures, will chronicle the journey for kids. Listeners can follow Giavanni, Cami, Egan, and Knowledge as they perform live, take road trips, have fun, and everything in between. Kids will feel closer than ever to the Kidz Bop crew as they get a behind the scenes look into the members of the group.
Kidz Bop Never Stop: The Tour Bus Adventures will be available exclusively on Audible. | Source: Kidz Bop
Each episode of the audiobook series is inspired by original Kidz Bop songs. All eight episodes of KidzBop Never Stop: The Tour Bus Adventures will be available exclusively on Audible starting on May 25.
While this is Kidz Bops’ first foray into audiobooks, the group also has two podcasts, Kidz Bop Daily, which features the Kidz Bop kids talking about their favorite Kidz Bop songs, and the Kidz Bop Bopcast, a podcast that comes out once a month and features the Kidz Bop kids chatting with special guests about music, telling stories, and playing games!
Kids can check out Kidz Bop Never Stop: The Tour Bus Adventures at audible.com.
Little fans of Channing Tatum’s The One and Only Sparkella can meet the celebrity himself at the next CAMP storytime event!
CAMP is known for interactive toy stores featuring events and activities, and this story-reading will be no exception. The event will take place at CAMP Columbus Circle in New York City, with Channing Tatum reading his newest book in the Sparkella series, The One and Only Sparkella and The Big Lie. In addition to the story, there will be two craft activities inspired by the book and the opportunity to get a copy signed by Tatum.
Tatum has written a series of books starring Sparkella and her father. | Source: Fiewel & Friends
Channing Tatum is a well-known actor who is also now a children’s book author. The most recent Sparkella book’s release follows the original The One and Only Sparkella and The One and Only Sparkella Makes a Plan. The books center on Sparkella and the love she shares with her dad. Tatum’s appearances in children’s entertainment include a voice role in the animated film The Book of Life, as well as providing the voice of Superman in The Lego Movie and The Lego Batman Movie.
The CAMP storytelling event is taking place on Tuesday, May 30, at 4 p.m. ET, at the CAMP Columbus Circle store in New York City. More information about the event can be found on the official page.
Playmobil is taking kids back to medieval times with Novelmore playsets.
Novelmore is Playmobil’s fantasy realm designed for kids ages 4 and up. In this realm, warriors battle against dragons, skeletons come back to life, and knights fight for honor and glory. Playmobil is expanding the collection with 10 new sets and a YouTube series.
In this new line of Novelmore sets, the Novelmorians face off against the Burnham Raiders, fiery warriors with dragons at their side. The collection also features three sets based in the Sal’ahari Sands, a desert realm in which the heroes face off against the skeleton army.
Kids can fight against dragons and skeletons in new Novelmore play sets! | Source: Playmobil
Kids can fight against dragons and skeletons in new Novelmore play sets! | Source: Playmobil
Kids can fight against dragons and skeletons in new Novelmore play sets! | Source: Playmobil
Some highlights to the collection include the Mor’Ghul Mammoth, a set that features the skeleton of a giant mammoth that the skeleton army is riding into battle and Gwynn, ready to face the army ($29.99); Novelmore vs. Burnham Raiders — Battle Arena, which has dragons, knights, catapults, and more ($44.99); and the Sand Stormer, a giant sand ship that the heroes take to face off against the skeleton army ($169.99). The Sand Stormer features projectiles, a zip line, four warriors, and more. The whole set is available at playmobil.us from $7.99-169.99.
If kids can’t get enough fantastical action in their play, they can also watch the Novelmore animated series on YouTube. In the series, the knights of Novelmore protect the realm from the Burnham raiders. Each episode is 11 minutes long and 12 episodes are currently available on Playmobil’s YouTube channel.
Get ready for the biggest costume party of the year. Disney Junior Live on Tour: Costume Palooza is returning to the road following its successful national tour last fall.
Launching on Friday, Sept. 1, the tour will visit 60 North American cities beginning with Hershey, Pennsylvania, and ending on Nov. 25 in Long Beach, California. There will also be a featured stop at the New York State Fair on Sept. 3.
The fun-filled experience features characters from Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends and other hit Disney Junior series, including Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Doc McStuffins, the Puppy Dog Pals, and Bo from Firebuds. In addition, for the first time, this year’s show will also welcome the adorable superhero kittens from the new action-packed series SuperKitties.
Mickey, Minnie, and pals are getting ready to throw a huge costume party. | Source: Phil McCarten
The show features characters from 'Marvel's Spidey and his Amazing Friends.' | Source: Phil McCarten
Doc Mcstuffins also makes an appearance in the show. | Source: Phil McCarten
Disney Junior Live on Tour: Costume Palooza follows Mickey, Minnie, and their pals as they get ready to throw a huge costume party. However, mysterious weather keeps interrupting the fun. Can Team Spidey help save the Costume Palooza? The show is geared toward Disney Junior’s biggest fans and offers an immersive, interactive concert experience. The show includes singing, dancing, 3D special effects, and acrobatics with cirque-style performances.
The event features songs from several popular Disney Junior series, as well as the original song “Green Gobby Party,” written by Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends‘ composer/songwriter Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy. The full playlist for the show is available on Spotify.
The Spotify Fans First presale has already begun, while the presale for Disney Visa cardmembers and Disney Junior, Marvel, Spider-Man, and Disney Music Group social media followers begins on May 10 at 10 a.m. local time. Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning on May 12 at 10 a.m. local time. VIP packages will also be available for pre-show opportunities, which give fans access to premium seating, exclusive merchandise, and character experiences. Parents can find more information at disneyjuniortour.com.
Many of today’s parents have memories of growing up caring for virtual pets, from Tamagotchi and Neopets to Nintendogs and Webkinz. Now, Niantic — the company behind Pokémon Go! — is introducing a more high-tech virtual pet for kids and nostalgic adults alike.
Today, the company launched a new mobile game called Peridot. Inspired by those popular virtual pet games of the past, this game features creatures called Peridots (or more casually, “Dots”). As with many of its virtual pet predecessors, these colorful creatures hatch from eggs and grow from babies to adults with the help of the gamer. This time, however, the virtual pet is designed to interact with the world around you. Using a combination of augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI), players can see their Dots move around and interact with real objects. They are able to recognize elements such as water, grass, and other animals, then react accordingly.
Players, referred to as Dot “Keepers,” are also prompted to engage with and care for their Dots. This includes playing fetch, teaching them tricks, and “petting” them. But the app is also designed to go beyond screen time and encourage players to be active. You can also earn XP points and items for your Dots by completing quests, which include tasks like going outside to find a tree. There are social elements in the app as well — two users’ Dots can actually team up to hatch an all-new Dot.
Parents can rest assured, though, that younger kids who are using the app can stay safe. You can sign into the app with a Niantic Kids account, which eliminates the game’s social elements and offers a parent portal where an adult can oversee and monitor kids’ game experience. (You can learn more about Niantic Kids here!)
Here at The Toy Insider, we got an early look at the Peridot app and what it has to offer. To start, we’ll say that the Dots are simply adorable and clearly designed to appeal to all ages. There are endless Dot design possibilities, too, so every Dot is unique. The app also offers very visual directions, which will be easy for kids to follow. While these creatures aren’t licensed characters that kids will recognize, this game experience is sure to make grown-up ’80s and ’90s kids feel nostalgic, while offering a next-gen virtual pet that Gen Alpha kids will actually be excited to engage with.
Anyone who is interested in joining the Peridot Keeper Society can download the app now for free on the App Store and through Google Play. Peridot is free to play, and more information is available at playperidot.com.
Cuddle Barn is known for its collection of cute plush toys that are sure to charm any kid in need of a bedtime buddy, and the Mooshakes are no exception. These cuddly cows are designed to look like milkshakes, with a whole variety of different flavor options. The newest series features five new “flavors” to choose from, with colors and toppings to match.
Matcha Mooshake | Source: Cuddle Barn
Sakura Mooshake | Source: Cuddle Barn
Witchy Brew Mooshake | Source: Cuddle Barn
Cosmic Mooshake | Source: Cuddle Barn
Black Sesame Mooshake | Source: Cuddle Barn
The Matcha Mooshake is a pleasant green, the Sakura is pink, the Witchy Brew is purple with some spooky toppers like a skull and a mushroom, and the Cosmic is galaxy blue with a star and a moon on top. The Black Sesame Mooshake is only available at retail stores such as Claire’s and Hot Topic.
Cuddle Barn has plenty more plushies for kids to enjoy if they can’t resist adding more than just new Mooshakes to their collection. Wawa the Froggie and the PlushGoals Planet series are just two examples of the huge variety of plush toys the company has to offer.
The new Mooshake plush flavors are available now for $27.99 each on the Cuddle Barn website and at participating retailers. Pick a favorite flavor and give the perfect gift to kids with a sweet tooth!
These 10-inch plush cows are designed to look like milkshakes. This second series features the following "flavors": Matcha, Cosmic, Sakura, Witchy Vibes, and Black Sesame.
The LEGO Group revealed LEGO Ninjago: Dragons Rising, a new era of LEGO Ninjago that will include an animated TV series created with Epic Games’ Unreal Engine, as well as an assortment of new building sets. The new world is created from merged realms and will bring back fan-favorite characters in addition to introducing new ones.
The new generation of Ninjago characters will come together and unlock their true potential to find the well-known ninjas who have gone missing in a world of merged realms. The ninjas will need all the help they can get to defend the source dragons who will either unite their world forever or destroy it completely. The new LEGO products will feature original characters, =new ninjas Sora and Arin, and a new baby dragon named Riyu. Here is a look at the upcoming building sets.
The Kai and Ras’s Car and Bike Battle 103-piece set ($19.99) is suitable for kids ages 4 and up, and includes a dragon car, an all-terrain vehicle, Kai, and Lord Ras minifigures, blue lightning in a display holder, and two flame elements for kids to play out exciting moments from the series.
The Nya and Arin’s Baby Dragon Battle set ($34.99) features two dragons, a jet plane, and a hideout cave with energy crystals, plus three minifigures to inspire hours of role-play with 157 pieces. This set is recommended for kids ages 4 and up.
With the Kai’s Dragon Power Spinjitzu Flip 72-piece set ($10.99), the Nya’s Dragon Power Spinjitzu Drift 57-piece set ($10.99), and the Lloyd’s Dragon Power Spinjitzu Spin 56-piece set ($10.99), kids can master Spinjitzu skills with interactive flipping and spinning toys. These sets are suitable for kids ages 6 and up.
The Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound comes with 198 pieces and features a monster toy with three minifigures. | Source: The LEGO Group
The Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound set ($19.99) features a monster toy and three minifigures. The 198-piece set will have fans ages 6 and up traveling to Imperium for a daring mission with Jay and Lloyd as they take on the Imperium Claw General, who is riding a fearsome Photac Beast.
The Zane’s Dragon Power Spinjitzu Race Car set ($34.99) comes with 307 pieces and features a ninja car, two hover flyers, and four minifigures. Fans ages 7 and up can push down the car’s spoiler to activate its dragon power and launch a stealth attack.
The Sora’s Transforming Mech Bike Racer 384-piece set ($47.99) features a mech, a dragon, and three minifigures. Fans ages 8 and up can jump in the mech’s cockpit before transforming it into a bike to enter a high-speed chase with Rapton on his glider.
Kiids can transform the Heatwave Transforming Lava Dragon into battle mode. | Source: The LEGO Group
The Heatwave Transforming Lava Dragon ($79.99) comes with 479 pieces and features a ninja dragon, a hovercraft vehicle, and five minifigures. With Kai, Lloyd, and Wyldfyre, kids ages 8 and up can transform Heatwave into battle mode and fight back by firing its purple dragon power element at the dragon hunters.
Recommended for kids ages 9 and up, the Lloyd and Arin’s Ninja Team Mechs 764-piece set ($79.99) features two battle mechs and five minifigures. Fans can help Lloyd and Arin jump inside a pair of mech suits or combine the two mechs to create one larger fighting mech.
The Temple of the Dragon Energy Cores ($94.99) is a Ninjago temple set that features six minifigures including Cole, Kai, and Nya. The set comes with 1,029 pieces and will bring fans ages 8 and up on a trip into the World Forest to explore the Temple of the Dragon Energy Cores.
The Elemental Dragon vs. The Empress Mech ($129.99) features a dragon, a mech, a ninja flyer, and six minifigures. With this 1,038-piece set, kids ages 9 and up can team up with baby dragon Riyu, Sora, Zane, and Jay to battle Lord Ras, Empress Beatrix, and an Imperium Guard.
The Destiny’s Bounty — Race Against Time set ($159.99) will take fans to the skies with 1,739 pieces to fly above the merged world. Recommended for kids ages 9 and up, this set features the Ninja Airship, two Dragons, and six minifigures.
LEGO Ninjago City Markets is the biggest Ninjago set at 20 inches tall. | Source: The LEGO Group
LEGO Ninjago City Markets ($369.99) is a highly detailed set with 6,163 pieces. Standing at 20 inches tall, this is Ninjago’s biggest building set with four floors. It includes a cable car, a bakery, a boat, apartments, an elevator, a rooftop food court, and more. The set comes with 21 minifigures and is suitable for teens ages 14 and up.
The LEGO Ninjago: Dragons Rising sets will be available on June 1 at lego.com/ninjago and globally in LEGO stores and select retailers. The accompanying multiplatform TV series will also launch on June 1 with its first batch of 10 episodes. An additional 10 episodes are slated for release this fall.
Juneteenth is just around the corner on Monday, June 19! Looking to teach your little one’s about this amazing holiday of American freedom? Mudpuppy has just the book for you to bring the celebration of Juneteenth to your home.
Written by Tonya Arbari, the Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth Board Bookguides kids through the traditions and history of Juneteenth with 26 pages filled with fun rhymes and colorful illustrations by Tabitha Brown. The pages include easy-to-read lines at the top with rhymes like “Annual picnic, top of the hill, delicious barbecue on the grill.” The illustrations feature whimsically drawn scenes of Juneteenth celebrations like cookouts and family gatherings.
Cookout page | Source: Mudpuppy
Cover for 'Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth Board Book' | Source: Mudpuppy
The rhyming adventure will introduce kids to the conversation starting topics that Juneteenth brings to the table, like supporting Black-owned businesses. The Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth Board Book also spells out the holiday’s historical context for young readers in easily digestible terms.
Children’s books are a perfect way for parents to introduce their kids to the world around them. Parents looking to share Juneteenth with their little ones can purchase the Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth Board Book for $9.99 at mudpuppy.com, Amazon, Target, Barnes & Nobles, and Walmart.
Toy Insider Parent and Contributing Editor Charlene DeLoach joined CBS in Hartford to show off the best new toys for kids to have a backyard blast this spring. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below.
Engineered with the intention to yield the highest bounce ever, this ball is built with high-density foam material, using geodesic geometry and scientific construction to provide super-high bounces. The tactile grip and its 2.6-inch diameter makes it easy to catch, throw, and bounce.
Kids can explore their creativity outdoors with Crayola's outdoor chalk. There are three types of chalk kids can choose from. ??Super Chalk: Super Chalk lasts three times longer than traditional Crayola chalk sticks and features 10 colors: red, orange, laser lemon, granny apple smooth, cerulean, violet, white, black, pink flamingo, and red violet. ($1.25) Super…
This sleek, compact race car harnesses the energy from the sun to power an electric motor. With only 22 parts and an easy, snap-together design, kids only need a pair of diagonal cutters to assemble the car.
This playset is packed with all the fun details of a real-life car wash and no water is necessary! Drive into the wash where working spinners and rollers clean up cars and get them ready for the road. Made from 40% ISCC-Certified plastics and was designed for disassembly and easy recycling as part of the…
Waddle Hip Hoppers are hoppers for ultimate bouncing fun! Kids can bounce around the lawn or room, joust with friends, enter wacky races, toss around for a crazy game of catch, or just use it as a seat in the sun. These colorful, large hoppers help kids develop balance and control, supporting up to 250…
Kids can explore their creativity outdoors with Crayola's outdoor chalk. There are three types of chalk kids can choose from. ??Super Chalk: Super Chalk lasts three times longer than traditional Crayola chalk sticks and features 10 colors: red, orange, laser lemon, granny apple smooth, cerulean, violet, white, black, pink flamingo, and red violet. ($1.25) Super…
This sleek, compact race car harnesses the energy from the sun to power an electric motor. With only 22 parts and an easy, snap-together design, kids only need a pair of diagonal cutters to assemble the car.
This playset is packed with all the fun details of a real-life car wash and no water is necessary! Drive into the wash where working spinners and rollers clean up cars and get them ready for the road. Made from 40% ISCC-Certified plastics and was designed for disassembly and easy recycling as part of the…
Waddle Hip Hoppers are hoppers for ultimate bouncing fun! Kids can bounce around the lawn or room, joust with friends, enter wacky races, toss around for a crazy game of catch, or just use it as a seat in the sun. These colorful, large hoppers help kids develop balance and control, supporting up to 250…
Learning the alphabet has never been a softer experience!
Alphapals are plush letters with smiling faces that help kids learn the alphabet in a fun, comforting way. The Alphapals are mainly available in packs that feature all 26 letters of the alphabet in a bean bag, but, now, kids can purchase individual letters!
Kids can get Alphapals letters individually or in bundles! | Source: Alphapals
Kids can get Alphapals letters individually or in bundles! | Source: Alphapals
Kids can get Alphapals letters individually or in bundles! | Source: Alphapals
The letters are available in uppercase, mini uppercase, and lowercase, which is great for kids of different ages and learning levels. The uppercase letters are available in 10 colors: red, orange, yellow, blue, green, purple, pink, white, and two shades of gray. The mini uppercase letters are available in two colors: one color of the rainbow and gray. The lowercase letters are only available in one color each.
The Alphapals are available at alphapals.com for $18 for uppercase letters, $9 for mini uppercase letters, and $11 for lowercase letters. Alphapals also has Alphaland, a section of its website full of new words, videos, and bios for each letter.
Instead of learning the alphabet by staring at flashcards, sheets of paper, or a tablet, kids can now snuggle right up to them!
Now kids can expand their Squishmallow collections online and IRL.
Jazwares and East Side Games Group are working together to develop a mobile game inspired by the plush sensation. The Squishmallows brand debuted in 2017 and has since sold more than 200 million plush characters worldwide.
Each plush Squishmallows collectible features its own personality, a unique design, and an ultra-soft feel. Characters range from original designs to familiar faces like Pikachu and Snorlax from Pokémon. Accessories for the loveable plush playmates have become increasingly popular as well, including the recent Big Fat Yarn Fashion Kits that kids can use to make soft yarn accessories for the plush toys, like headbands, crossbody bags, or hoodies.
With more than 2,000 Squishmallow characters currently available for purchase, fans will now have an opportunity to collect the plush characters online as well. Players can expect to see new characters in addition to fan favorites in the mobile game and will compete to become the ultimate collector.
Stay tuned for more details about the upcoming mobile game.
In EXIT: Nightfall Manor, players explore an eerie first to make it to Nightfall Manor, a haunted building that nobody dares to go in. Do kids have what it takes?
Designed for preteens, teens, and adults ages 10 and up, EXIT: Nightfall Manor by Thames & Kosmos is one of the newest titles in the company’s long-running EXIT line of escape room-style games. In this game, players have to save their friend Gaston when he goes to investigate the eerie Nightfall Manor in the woods. As players look for Gaston, they have to build jigsaw puzzles and solve riddles to open “locks” by inputting the correct solution codes into the game’s decoder disk.
To find each riddle, players have to build a jigsaw puzzle first. The jigsaw puzzles reveal scenes, which include the locks that have to be opened and are packed with clues that are vital to solving the riddles.
EXIT: Nightfall Manor is perfect for spooky season! | Source: Thames & Kosmos
Players can open each lock using the riddle solutions, but they can be harder than they look. If kids get stuck, they can open up the directions and find two clues to help them out! The first clue is more vague, while the second is more specific. If the clues don’t help, they can also look at the solutions. However, the more clues and solutions players use throughout the game, the lower their score will be at the end. There are three different endings to the game based on how high players score, so using clues can be costly! As the game progresses, there are three more jigsaw puzzles players need to complete to reveal more riddles. The puzzles are 88 pieces each, so they are generally quick to put together.
As with all EXIT games, solving the riddles requires a combination of observation and creative thinking. I won’t spoil any of the solutions here, but one riddle involves counting fireflies to reveal the code. As you correctly (or incorrectly) solve the riddles, the narrative of your adventure in the manor continues. I recommend having paper and pen on hand to help work out some of the solutions.
The game is rated two out of five for difficulty, so there are more difficult EXIT games from Thames & Kosmos out there. However, this title may be a bit challenging for first-time EXIT players, young puzzlers, or someone who is playing solo. I spent around two hours playing the game and got around halfway done.
Overall, EXIT: Nightfall Manor is a fun and immersive game, and a great way to get teens and tweens away from screens and using their brains. However, gameplay lasts around 2-3 hours on average. If players are solving the game on their own, it could also take even longer than that. Players may want to block out time so that they know they’ll be able to finish the game in one sitting.
It’s also important to note that, due to the nature of the game, you can only play it once. This may seem like a bummer, but the game does fill a significant chunk of time and can keep up to four players entertained and working together.
EXIT: Nightfall Manor is the perfect game for families who can’t get enough of escape rooms or think that Halloween is the best holiday. But those who are easily scared, beware!
The old man was well-known for his eerie tales of the dark castle on the edge of the forest. Recently, he set out on his own to find the shadowy lord of the manor, but he hasn't returned. Fearing the worst, you embark on a quest to find him. You must solve a series of…
Toy Insider Senior Editor/Toy Book Editor-in-Chief James Zahn joined Your Life Arizona to show off the best new toys to keep kids entertained on days when they’re cooped up at home. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below.
Kids can build their own race car model with this LEGO Technic Bugatti Bolide toy set. With this challenging project, kids can craft a car with true-to-life details, including a working W16 engine, steering, and scissor doors. The car features a yellow and black color scheme and authentic sticker details. After building and exploring the…
This set includes an interactive bucket and pretend cleaning tools, including a spinning mop and a soap pump complete with squirting sound effects. Kids can follow verbal directions to dance and play games.
This playset is packed with all the fun details of a real-life car wash and no water is necessary! Drive into the wash where working spinners and rollers clean up cars and get them ready for the road. Made from 40% ISCC-Certified plastics and was designed for disassembly and easy recycling as part of the…
Create an endless amount of bubbles! Designed with fun styling and bold colors, this is sure to be a bubble blowing hit this summer. It's easy to use, just screw in the bubble solution and pull the trigger to blow a continuous streak of bubbles. Kids will love the fast bubble blowing action and parents…
Kids can build their own race car model with this LEGO Technic Bugatti Bolide toy set. With this challenging project, kids can craft a car with true-to-life details, including a working W16 engine, steering, and scissor doors. The car features a yellow and black color scheme and authentic sticker details. After building and exploring the…
This set includes an interactive bucket and pretend cleaning tools, including a spinning mop and a soap pump complete with squirting sound effects. Kids can follow verbal directions to dance and play games.
This playset is packed with all the fun details of a real-life car wash and no water is necessary! Drive into the wash where working spinners and rollers clean up cars and get them ready for the road. Made from 40% ISCC-Certified plastics and was designed for disassembly and easy recycling as part of the…
Create an endless amount of bubbles! Designed with fun styling and bold colors, this is sure to be a bubble blowing hit this summer. It's easy to use, just screw in the bubble solution and pull the trigger to blow a continuous streak of bubbles. Kids will love the fast bubble blowing action and parents…
Color Wonder offers a mess free, magic reveal coloring experience that keeps kids busy and engaged by the freedom to be creative, choose their colors, and design their own unique way. The new Color Wonder Foldalopes include Cocomelon and Spidey & His Amazing Friends. Holds everything in one place and features 18 themed coloring pages…
Experience all the magic of Disney in a classic Ravensburger board game!
This year, Disney is celebrating its 100th anniversary with tons of events, merch, new toys, and more. Ravensburger is joining the fun as the game and puzzle company releases a new Disney100 version of its popular Labyrinth board game.
The new board game features colored Mickey Mouse movers and Disney character cards. | Source: Ravensburger
Disney100 Labyrinth features the rules of the original Labyrinth game, with players navigating an ever-changing maze and collecting treasures on the way. This twist on the game features beloved Disney characters, such as Mirabel from Encanto, Stitch from Lilo & Stitch, Simba from The Lion King, and lots more. The adorable Mickey-shaped movers will have kids eager to find their way to their favorite characters!
Other Disney-themed games from Ravensburger include the Disney Villainous series, Disney Hocus Pocus: The Game, a Disney version of Eye Found It!, and more. With all these options, kids can celebrate Disney’s big anniversary during every game night this year.
The limited edition Disney100 Labyrinth game is available now on Amazon, as well as specialty game stores. Kids can navigate a mysterious maze with the help of their Disney favorites as they celebrate this year of Disney.
Kids can experience all the magic of Disney's 100th anniversary as they navigate the changing maze with Mickey-shaped movers. Players must shift the paths carefully to help find all of their favorite characters for the big celebration.
CAMP’s latest set of Magna-Tiles isn’t rocket science: It’s just fun!
Designed for kids ages 3 and up, Magna-Tiles are building sets that kids can put together using the power of magnets! The sides of each tile have magnets in them that kids can use to create new things and build structures! The latest set of Magna-Tiles is designed to launch kids into outer space for out-of-this-world fun.
CAMP's Magna-Tiles with CreateOn feature themed artwork! | Source: CAMP
CAMP's Magna-Tiles with CreateOn feature themed artwork! | Source: CAMP
This set is a collaboration with CreateOn and features squares and different types of triangles — everything kids need to build their own rocket ship! Each tile in the set features fun artwork, including aliens popping their heads out of portholes, fire blasting out of the rocket, and stars and planets! The rocket may not fly, but kids’ imaginations will soar as they’re playing with it. CAMP has also partnered with CreateOn for a mermaid-themed set of Magna-Tiles, which feature bubbles, ships, jellyfish, and more.
Both the Magna-Tiles Structures Rocket and Mermaid sets are available exclusively at CAMP in-stores and online for $40 and $48, respectively. Learning about magnets and building has never been so colorful!
Disney’s Encantocame out in 2021, and while we still don’t talk about Bruno, the songs are catchier than ever. Tonies just launched an Encanto Tonies Figure featuring Mirabel, the main character from the animated film.
Tonies Character Figures feature hand-painted details and a magnetic base that kids can place on top of the Toniebox (sold separately) to activate audio stories. The Toniebox is a soft, 5-by-5-inch speaker cube that is designed for screen-free storytelling. Kids can tap the speaker cube to pause or play the story or skip to the next chapter. They can also add headphones for a solo listening experience.
'Encanto' tells the tale of a magical family, the Madrigals, who live in a charmed place. | Source: Tonies
The Disney Encanto Tonie Figure features Mirabel, the main character from the film. | Source: Tonies
The Toniebox provides screen-free entertainment for kids. | Source: Tonies
Encanto tells the story of the Madrigal family, a multigenerational Colombian family that is blessed with special gifts — well, everyone except for Mirabel. The film features original songs by Lin-Manual Miranda and even won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film in 2021. This new Disney Encanto Tonie Figure is recommended for kids ages 3 and up, and features a total run time of 58 minutes with five songs and two audio stories.
Fans can listen to Tonies’ versions of the songs “Family Madrigal,” “Surface Pressure,” “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” “What Else Can I Do?”, and “Dos Oruguitas,” as well as the story of Encanto in both English and Spanish. The figure features original voices.
The Disney Encanto Tonie Figure is available now at the Tonies website, Target, and specialty retailers for $17.99. Parents can also find different versions of the Toniebox on the Tonies website.
When kids place this figure on top of the Toniebox (sold separately), they can listen to 58 minutes of audio stories and songs from Disney's Encanto. The figure is modeled after Mirabel, the main character from the animated film.
Who said Beyblading is out of style? With the action-packed animated series Beyblade Burst ramping up its seventh season, Hasbro is giving kids a sick arena for them to “let it rip” just like Valt.
Manufactured by Hasbro, the Beyblade Burst QuadStrike Thunder Edge Battle Set equips Beybladers ages 8 and up with everything they need to hold the ultimate showdown. For $41.99, players will receive two powerful spin tops, two green launchers, and a Beyblade stadium for head-to-head Beyblade combat.
If your little Beyblader is looking to jolt into battle with maximum energy, then the Lightning Pandora Endless might be just what they’re looking for. This stamina/balance type top offers movement at lighting speed once it leaves the launcher and hits the stadium with a poise that makes it a challenging competitor in battle.
Beystadium in action | Source: Hasbro
Divine Evo Belfyre and Lightning Pandora Endless | Source: Hasbro
Alternatively, players looking to deliver a mighty punch can opt for the Divine Evo Belfyre, an attack/defense top that’s designed for battle. With its sturdy exterior, the Divine Evo Belfyre hits hard for a guaranteed win. Components to each spin-top are detachable, making customizing the perfect Beyblade for victory super simple!
The Beystadium puts players right at the heart of battle, just like characters in the iconic animated franchise. With four separate battle zones and a secret drop, it’s the perfect spot for players to test out their new spin tops. The Battle Set comes with two green launchers for all your kids’ ripping needs!
While letting it rip is what it’s all about, you can’t forget about safety. It’s best for little Beybladers to only launch their spin tops on the Beystadium to avoid any rogue tops.
Fun fact: The box that the Beyblade Burst QuadStrike Thunder Edge Battle Set comes in is made from plastic-free packaging (excluding the tape and glue), so it’s also an eco-friendly purchase choice for your household.
This Battle Set will give your little ones an electric evening of letting it rip!
Kids can put their Beyblade Quadstrike tops to the test in this battle set. The set comes with two tops and launchers and has four Quad Zones for kids to dominate.
All aboard! Kids can punch their ticket to ride the rails from the safety of their kitchen table in the new board game, Crazy Trains: The Game of Loco-Motion, recommended for kids ages 7 and up!
In about 20 minutes, 2-4 players can take a circuitous route with the not-so-helpful aid of Curly the Conductor to their final destination, New York City. Kids must engineer a way to stay on track, controlling the speed and direction of their four-car train while avoiding “loco” obstacles.
Crazy Trains: The Game of Loco-Motion | Source: Horn Entertainment
Along the way, kids are introduced to train-related vocabulary words ranging from “railroad crossing” and “collisions” to “train depot” and “arrival track.” Players will start at the train depot and make their way to the Big Apple along the main railroad line. The first player to reach New York City is declared the winner and the grateful passengers get to disembark after another day of crazy train rides. No two games are ever the same.
Crazy Trains: The Game of Loco-Motion! was created by Frank Horn, an assistant director of television commercials in Miami, Florida. Horn grew up playing board games with his sister Julie and mom Maria. A few years ago, the family met and decided to create their own race-and-chase board game. After a lot of trial and error, Crazy Trains was born and self-published.
Horn also wrote lyrics to the game’s jingle and enticed The Yale Brothers to add instrumentals and record it. You can hear the full result at crazytrainsgame.com.
Crazy Trains is available at neighborhood specialty shops such as Train Town Toy & Hobby in Summerville, South Carolina; Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie, Washington; and the Georgia State Railroad Museum in Savannah, Georgia. Families can also easily order one online at crazytrainsgame.com for $24.95.
In about 20 minutes, 2-4 players can take a circuitous route with the not-so-helpful aid of Curly the Conductor to their final destination, New York City. Kids must engineer a way to stay on track, controlling the speed and direction of their four-car train while avoiding “loco” obstacles.
Earth Rangers is helping kids adopt new animals for the month of May. Kids can celebrate World Bee Day on May 20 and World Otter Day on May 31 with Wildlife Adoption Kits.
Recommended for kids ages 3 and up, the Wildlife Adoption Kits feature plush toys, posters, and an adoption certificate for the animal kids choose. When kids adopt an animal, the purchase makes a direct contribution to researchers who are working to help animals in that field! In addition to bees and otters, kids can also adopt seals, polar bears, red panda, foxes, frogs, and more.
The Wildlife Adoption Kits come with a plush animal, a poster, and an adoption certificate! | Source: Earth Rangers
The Wildlife Adoption Kits come with a plush animal, a poster, and an adoption certificate! | Source: Earth Rangers
Adults can also buy the Wildlife Adoption Kits through the Earth Rangers app, which encourages kids to promote conservation in their communities, clean up the world around them, and safely interact with nature. When families buy the Wildlife Adoption Kits through the app, they can also get a virtual badge, a virtual animal for their home screen, an avatar item, and a virtual adoption certificate.
It’s time for some target practice! The battery-powered LED lights on the bow and arrow toy help guide kids to make that bullseye and can help improve their hand-eye coordination. Set includes four suction-tipped arrows, one bow, and one arrow quiver for storage. Even the target lights up, so this kid’s archery set is ideal…
Experience the magic of nature with Scavenger Hunt Journal! Kids can go outside and collect natural ingredients, then add them to their journal using stickers. The journal has 32 pages full of nature-inspired fun to get kids out exploring nature. Kids can look around nature for the materials to fill their journals, and learn a…
A real-life gardening set for kids! Made of real wood and metal, the included gardening tools are just that — real tools! Till the garden with the rake. Dig holes for planting with the trowel. Scoop away excess dirt with the shovel. Give plants a refreshing drink with the watering can. Then, store everything in…
This new theme features L.O.L. Surprise! tots and O.M.G. dolls with surprises for kids to unbox with UV-generated, color-change transformations. Kids can take the dolls outside or near a window, and the daylight will reveal a new hair and fashion look.
Kids can paint the cornhole boards with the included paint and brushes, then play the game with the included bean bags. When they’re ready for a redesign, kids can wipe the boards clean with a wet towel and paint them again.
You can never have too many charm bracelets, especially when showing off your summer style. Tweens can stay ahead of the trends — and set some trends of their own — by customizing charm bracelets with this new DIY activity kit from Cra-Z-Art.
Completed Bracelets | Source: Cra-Z-Art
Be Inspired Charmkins #BFF Charm Jewelry | Source: Cra-Z-Art
Some of the Charms and Beads Included in the Kit | Source: Cra-Z-Art
Recommended for kids ages 8 and up, the Be Inspired Charmkins #BFF Charm Jewelry set is a beginner craft kit that comes with different types of charms and beads, elastic cord, and other bracelet-making materials. Each kit contains 10 enamel charms, five silver charms, two enamel beads, two butterfly beads, two rainbow striped beads, eight large beads, 10 faceted beads, eight silver connector beads, 20 pony beads, five strands of elastic cord, 10 clear stopper beads, and 15 jump rings.
Kids can personalize their bracelets based on their style and create something they can wear or give to a friend. Parents can also get the sets to keep kids busy for birthday parties, sleepovers, and other events.
The Be Inspired Charmkins #BFF Charm Jewelry sets are available exclusively at Walmart for $10.37.
Kids can create personalized charm bracelets with this craft kit for beginners. The kit comes with different types of charms and beads, elastic cord, and other bracelet-making materials.
Kids will have a backyard blast with Föm Mania’s portable line of foam battle toys and foam machines from Little Kids.
The new Quickshot Foam Blaster will unleash sudsy, soapy, splashy fun for kids ages 5 and up. The kid-powered blaster comes with 4 ounces of non-toxic Föm concentrate that boasts a tear-free formula. This should be enough solution to fill the blaster up to eight times. Kids can pour up to the bottom fill line with the solution and then fill the rest with water. Then, stand back as the Quickshot jets out blasts of fluffy foam up to 10 feet. Plus, there are no batteries required. Kids simply pump and aim for more than 30 shots of continuous foamy fun. To make things even better, parents don’t have to worry about cleaning up because Föm Mania foam dissolves on its own. The Quickshot Foam Blaster is available at Target, Amazon, Meijer, Walgreens, and many neighborhood specialty stores for $12.99. There is also a 2-pack exclusive on Amazon for $29.99.
FömalancheQuickshot Foam BlasterFöm Mania foam dissolves on its own, so there is no worry about cleaning up a mess. | Source: Little Kids
If kids are looking to embrace the mess even more, check out the fan-favorite from last summer, the Föm Mania Fömalanche. With just the press of a button, kids ages 5 and up can make piles and piles of light, airy foam. Just add the foam concentrate and water to the reservoir and turn on the machine. The Fömalanche comes with three 3.3-ounce packets of foam concentrate, as well as fun Föm play ideas. The machine also features a handle for easy portability and storage. The Fömalanche requires six D batteries, which are not included, and is available at Target, Amazon, Meijer, Walgreens, and many neighborhood stores for $49.99.
Perfect for memory-making birthday parties, epic backyard foam battles, or even just everyday sudsy silliness, these Föm Mania toys will make any day fömazing.
The Fömalanche machine makes piles of light, airy foam for kids to play with. Kids or parents can add concentrate and water to the reservoir and turn on the machine for fast and easy fun. It features a handle for easy portability and includes three 3.3-ounce packets of foam concentrate.
The Quickshot Föm Blaster will unleash sudsy, soapy, splashy fun. The blaster comes with 4 ounces of non-toxic Föm concentrate, which should be enough solution to fill the blaster up to eight times. Kids can pour up to the bottom fill line with the solution and then fill the rest with water. Then, stand back…
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Sesame Workshop is bringing beloved Sesame Streetcharacters out to help with a new organization focus on the emotional well-being of kids and their families.
Kicking off the new initiative is a 45-minute Sesame Street YouTube event featuring the iconic little red monster Elmo. “Elmo’s Mindfulness Spectacular” sends Elmo on a magical adventure as he learns about dealing with big feelings. The YouTube special includes guest stars like Juanpa Zurita, Jenny Slate, Fitness Marshall, Lauren Riihimaki (LaurDIY), and Marques Brownlee, as well as original music. Watch it below!
The video features Elmo trying to get rid of his big feelings, but instead learning a little bit more about them. | Source: Sesame Street YouTube
This isn’t all the new initiative is bringing, as Sesame Workshop has committed to multiple years of focusing on kids’ emotions, producing content across a variety of platforms. In partnership with the Ad Council, the organization has released a video with a new original song, “Me & My Grown-Up,” that features Elmo and other Sesame Street characters singing about the support they can receive from adults. Watch it below!
The song features Sesame Street characters and their grown-ups being emotionally open. | Source: Sesame Street In Communities YouTube
Sesame Workshop is also hopping back on the podcast train with its emotional well-being goals, with an episode of The Happiness Lab podcast featuring Sesame Workshop CEO Steve Youngwood as well as Kay Wilson Stallings (Executive Vice President, Chief Production and Creative Development Officer) premiering this spring. This fall, the podcast will also have a series of three episodes featuring happiness strategies with Sesame Street characters. The organization is also bringing a second season of the Goodnight, World! podcast with Headspace this summer, which helps kids get into the mood for bedtime.
May Clinic Press Kids is joining the mindfulness team as well, partnering up with Sesame Workshop to publish new content. A series of books planned for the fall of next year will focus on health, advice for anxious times, and more.
All this and more will take place with Sesame Workshop’s newest goal to help kids feel mindful and able to handle any emotions that come their way, even the big ones. Learn more and take a look at online resources from the new initiative at the official Sesame Workshop website.
Raising kids is tough and everyone needs a break every once in a while. CAMP is making taking a night off easier than ever.
CAMP is now hosting Date Night Drop-Off Parties at its Dallas and Columbus Circle (New York City) locations. Adults can drop off their kids at either 5:30 or 6 p.m. for a night of crafts, pizza, playtime, and more! For a time slot of three hours, adults can take the chance to go shopping, get dinner, or spend time doing their favorite things. CAMP keeps a 1:5 counselor-to-kid ratio, so kids are always supervised and having fun!
CAMP Date Night Drop-Off Parties feature crafts, story time, toys, pizza, and more! | Source: CAMP
The Dallas CAMP location has two Date Night Drop-Off Party per month on Saturdays at 6 p.m. The Columbus Circle location has Date Night Drop-Off Parties on Fridays and Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. Registration for the parties closes 48 hours in advance. Kids also have to be potty trained to go to Date Night Drop-Off Parties.
Special Mother’s Day-themed Date Night Drop-Off Parties are scheduled for Saturday, May 13, in Dallas and Friday, May 12, and Saturday at the Columbus Circle location. CAMP is a great alternative to scrambling for a babysitter. With both kids and parents having great nights, it’s a win-win situation! To sign up for a Date Night Drop-Off Party, go to camp.com. Tickets are $60 per kid.
PAW Patrol is on a roll and now kids can join a life-size version of the rescue team in a new, immersive PAW Patrolvideo game experience from Immersive Gamebox and Paramount.
The multi-level gameplay is inspired by the Nickelodeon preschool series, PAW Patrol, and follows Ryder and the PAW Patrol pups as they navigate rescue training modules from the Lookout in Adventure Bay. In the hyper-immersive experience, participants can play as their favorite pups, including Chase, Rubble, and Skye, with multiplayer action for 2-6 players before ending the game with a “Pup Pup Boogie” dance party.
Ryder and the PAW Patrol Gang | Source: Nickelodeon
This new PAW Patrol experience is designed to be a fun activity for both kids and parents, with the ability to adjust the level of difficulty depending on the age of the players. The game is suitable for kids ages 3-7, but fans of all ages can enjoy it. The experience promotes teamwork and incorporates educational elements that are integrated in an engaging way with the mission to make screen time social.
The gameboxes feature a range of cutting-edge technologies, such as projection mapping, touch screens using its patented Lidar, 3D motion tracking, and surround sound to deliver innovative immersive entertainment without any bulky headsets.
The PAW Patrol gaming experience will be available to play at all Immersive Gamebox locations across the U.S. starting on June 14. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit immersivegamebox.com.
Kids can let their true colors shine with a new video game from MGA Entertainment and Outright Games, Rainbow High: Runway Rush, inspired by the Netflix and YouTube series Rainbow High. In this puzzle adventure game that focuses on all things art and creativity, fans can step into the colorful, immersive school environment and have fun with their favorite characters.
Kids can choose to play as each of the six main characters — Ruby, Poppy, Sunny, Jade, Skyler, and Violet — as they tackle a new creative contest at their school. They have to work together to show their artistic flair and create a standout idea for their first assignment with the theme “Everything is Art.” The team with the best idea will be awarded a chance to plan a major project for the Creative Spring Challenge. Players can utilize each character’s specific skills, such as Sunny’s illustration techniques and Skyler’s fashion design, to complete puzzles and help their classmates.
The game will feature multiple interactive locations that kids are familiar with from the series. Gamers can play as Sunny and find everything she needs for the day in her bedroom, as Ruby to prepare croissants in the Rainbow Union, or as Skyler to design and make an outfit. In addition to the main story mode, players will be able to take on a series of quests, play mini games, and find collectibles to level up their characters and unlock outfits.
Rainbow High: Runway Rush will launch this fall on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Bibinee Dolls are embracing all kinds of Black beauty.
Bibinee Dolls is a Black-owned business that features plush dolls with diverse skin tones, hair textures, and color schemes. The name Bibinee comes from the Ghanaian language Twi and is slang for “Black” to honor the founders’ heritage.
Bibinee Dolls feature girls, boys, and a gender-neutral doll! | Source: Bibinee Dolls
Bibinee Dolls feature girls, boys, and a gender-neutral doll! | Source: Bibinee Dolls
Bibinee encourages kids to play with plush dolls of all genders. While girl dolls are the star of the show, Bibinee Dolls also feature multiple boy dolls and even Skye, a gender-neutral doll in a tan onesie.
Each Bibinee Doll has a fun outfit that matches its personality and background! | Source: Bibinee Dolls
Each Bibinee Doll has a fun outfit that matches its personality and background! | Source: Bibinee Dolls
Each Bibinee Doll has a fun outfit that matches its personality and background! | Source: Bibinee Dolls
Each doll also features a fun outfit to match its personality. The Amirah doll features a bright pink outfit and a matching pink hijab with a flower on it. The Mabel doll features several patterns, including Ankara and Kente, which are inspired by traditional African fabric prints.
Kids can be the coolest kid in school with Bibinee Dolls and matching backpacks! | Source: Bibinee Dolls
Kids can be the coolest kid in school with Bibinee Dolls and matching backpacks! | Source: Bibinee Dolls
Preschoolers can also come to class with new Bibinee Dolls backpacks, which feature matching dolls! Kids can personalize each Bibinee doll and backpack with their names or initials to make play even more special.
With so many diverse options, kids will feel more seen than ever when they’re playing with their Bibinee Dolls! Bibinee Dolls are available at bibineedolls.com from $33.81-56.35.
That was what one parent from down the street said when my daughter was cruising the neighborhood on the Droyd Blipper last month. They’re not wrong.
The Blipper is an electric bike (e-bike) designed for teens ages 13 and up. Its sturdy frame sits atop pneumatic rubber tires and is powered by a brushless, 24-volt, 250-watt motor that can propel the Blipper and its rider (up to 165 lbs) to a top speed of 12.5 mph.
It’s short, so you could call it a mini bike; and the Blipper gives the gas-powered dirt bikes that some of our neighbors have a serious run for their money — and it does it without the noise and harmful emissions.
The Droyd Blipper is functional and stylish. | Source: Droyd
I’ve built a lot of bikes over the years, so I can tell you that it was a delight to open the Blipper’s box to discover that it arrives nearly fully assembled. A parent or other grownup simply has to attach the handlebars that come with all of the cabling pre-routed. A pro tip: Use your own tools as I found that the included wrenches weren’t up to the task, which is on par with most of the throwaway tools I’ve seen included with bikes and other ride-ons over the years. A proper socket set will get the job done with ease.
Once assembled, the bike should be left to charge for 6-7 hours using the included charger. When the rider is ready to rock, the Blipper is ready to roll at the turn of the ignition key and the flick of the power switch.
As with any e-bike, there is a slight learning curve to get the hang of acceleration, slowing down, and stopping. Kids can use the accelerator mounted on the handlebars to ease into their ride. Easing off of the accelerator and using the hand brake will bring the Blipper to a safe stop. The accelerator also has a button that kids can use to activate the onboard LED headlight for evening rides.
On a full charge, the Blipper can run for up to 60 minutes and reach a distance of up to 12.5 miles. In our experience, the kids don’t ever travel that far, so we have yet to see a fully discharged battery. That said, it’s important to make sure that the bike gets plugged in and charged after each use.
While the Blipper is prompting a lot of smiles in our neighborhood both from our daughters and those who see them cruise by, safety and security are always a concern.
As I always point out with any bike, a responsible grownup should make sure that kids are prepared to ride safely with a proper helmet. Additionally, you’ll want to invest in a quality bike lock and make sure that one of the two included ignition keys is held onto by a parent or guardian, just in case one gets lost or misplaced.
Overall, the Droyd Blipper is an awesome ride that kids will love and adults can view as a solid investment. Once you watch the kids start cruising, you’re gonna wish you had one for yourself!
This motorized, rideable bicycle is made specifically to give older kids a safe, yet thrilling experience. The Blipper model provides more advanced riding, with an accelerator lever for riders to gradually decrease the speed of the bike with a release of their thumb, as well as a max speed of 12.5 mph.
Once kids pass out of the tween phase and into their teen years, you may find that their wish lists include fewer toys. But not all toys are made for the little ones in our lives! Some, like the HP161 Brushed R/C Truck by Bezgar, are just as much fun for teens and grownups.
Designed for ages 14 and up, the HP161 Brushed R/C Truck is a major upgrade from R/C cars designed for kids, but it isn’t as complex (or expensive) as many of the hobby-grade R/C vehicles on the market. The vehicle is a monster truck-style car in 1:16 scale, which means it is about a foot long. It comes with a variety of features, including a LED bar light on the front, shock-absorbing suspension on all four wheels, and massive tires that are designed to take on multiple terrain types.
When you first take the truck out of its packaging, you’ll discover that it needs light assembly, including attaching a wheelie bar to the tail of the truck, which helps avoid wear and tear. The set comes with a perfectly-sized screwdriver for this task, though, which is very helpful. Then, you have to remove the outer shell from the truck’s body to access its inner mechanisms. You do this by removing four pins (two in the front, two in the back) that hold the plastic shell in place.
Source: Bezgar
Source: Bezgar
Source: Bezgar
Once you reveal the truck’s inner mechanisms, you will be able to attach the rechargeable battery. The truck actually comes with two batteries, which is another thoughtful touch — One can charge while you use the other, which helps lessen the time you have to wait for the batteries to recharge before getting back to running the R/C. Of course, you’ll need to fully charge one of the batteries when you first open the truck, before running it for the first time. You also need to add two AA batteries to the remote control.
It may seem a bit tedious at first to remove all four pins and the truck’s outer shell every time you need to charge the battery or turn on the R/C, but this configuration is what makes the truck higher-end. With full access to the interior mechanisms, those who are interested in delving further into the high-end R/C hobby can modify and replace parts of the truck.
This configuration also makes the R/C more durable and waterproof, as it keeps all of the electronic components safe from the elements. This means you can run the truck outdoors through puddles, in mud, or at the beach. I only tested the R/C indoors, but I can attest that it tackled a pile of cardboard with serious power and style.
Speaking of power, this truck can reach speeds of more than 30 kph, or roughly 18 mph, which seems especially fast indoors. The controls are very intuitive, which is a plus. However they are also very sensitive — Don’t turn the direction wheel too far, or the truck will immediately careen into a wall. (Thankfully, the truck is designed to take those hits. It took this writer a few minutes to get the controls down.) With a few minutes of practice, though, you can have the truck performing flips, doing donuts, and generally racing in whatever direction you want.
Overall, this R/C truck offers a play experience for those who may be older in age but who are young at heart. It is an excellent option for teens or adults who love cars and are interested in the hobby R/C space but don’t quite know where to start. It’s also great for families who enjoy R/C toys and want something a bit faster and sturdier without breaking the bank.
Get ready, kidults — It’s time to take playtime off-road.
This 1:16-scale, off-road R/C truck comes with 4WD wheels; a bright LED front light; and a dual throttle speed option. Teens can select the 100% normal speed or use the 70% slow speed designed for beginners, with easy start and steering..The car also has splash-proof electronic speed control with overheating and over-current protection for all-weather…
The LEGO Group is introducing LEGO DREAMZzz, the first content and product theme that is truly inspired by the way kids dream.
New global research of more than 23,000 kids shows that 69% are experiencing complex emotions, such as stress or loneliness, in their day-to-day lives. One in four kids (24%) cite events in the world or on social media as causes. However, sleep experts believe that dreams can play a key role in helping kids process complex emotions and engage their imaginations. Two-thirds of the kids surveyed (68%) agree, reporting that dreams are important and help them be more creative during the day.
LEGO is bringing this passion for creativity directly to kids with LEGO DREAMZzz. Following the launch of a new TV show on May 15, an accompanying product range dropping in August will create an entertainment and play experience that puts kids in the imagination-powered driving seat.
The LEGO DreamZzzTV show launches on May 15. | Source: The LEGO Group
The LEGO DREAMZzz series follows the adventures of school friends Mateo, Izzie, Cooper, Logan, and Zoey as they join a secret agency and learn to use the power of imagination to journey into the Dream World. They also must learn how to defeat the tyrannical Nightmare King.
To celebrate the launch of LEGO DREAMZzz, the LEGO Group is introducing an opportunity for kids to become a Chief Dream Creator. This role will be to champion the creativity of dreams within the company and spread the positive creative aspects dreaming can have for young people around the world.
Kids ages 6-12 are encouraged to submit their own dream creation showing a creature or a vehicle they have dreamt of that incorporates brick building. The submission can be either a picture of a LEGO build they’re made themselves or a drawing. They can accompany their dream creation by a short description relaying the name of their creation, what it can do, and why it excited them in their dream.
The LEGO Group will fly the chosen participants to its home base in Denmark, where kids can take part in several LEGO DREAMZzz workshops. Entry officially opens on May 20 and lasts until June 20.
Here’s a whole new way for kids to experience their favorite animated film!
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World is the third film in the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, an exciting finish that delighted kids with new characters and, of course, new dragons. Now, kids can experience that excitement all over again, with the massively multiplayer online game (MMO) Lords Mobile bringing the dragons of the movie back for a mobile gaming experience.
All the Fun of Strategy Gaming with Some New Dragon Additions | Source: Lords Mobile YouTube
Players can join the fun in the new How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World event featuring playable characters from Berk, such as Hiccup and Toothless. Kids ages 9 and up can complete events to upgrade Hiccup; get Berk-themed base decorations; find Viking Chests,; solve puzzles for Toothless and Light Fury castle skins; and get their virtual hands on in-game goods, such as emotes, avatars, and more.
Lords Mobile is free to play, so kids that have never played it but love How to Train Your Dragon have the chance to give it a go without paying! Players can build up their own bases and armies strategically to protect themselves and defeat enemy bases.
Lords Mobile is available on Android, iOS, and Steam. The How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World event will run from now until the end of June, so kids that want to get their own dragon-themed collectibles should start playing now!
There’s a party in the neighborhood and this Bounce Park brings all the kids to the yard!
When it comes to summer fun, nothing attracts a crowd like a bounce house and Bestway’s H20GO! Wonder Hoops Bounce Park is just the ticket to get kids up and active.
A parent or other grownup will need to set up and inflate the Bounce Park using the included blower. This is electric, so keep the little ones away from the cord as the Bounce Park inflates in under 2 minutes. Safety is key, so you’ll want to use the included stakes to secure the Bounce Park to the ground.
A basketball and hoop are included for the little ones! | Source: Bestway
Up to four kids ages 3 and up (up to 300 lbs in total) can get their bounce on at the same time as they attempt to grab some big air and dunk the included basketball into the Wonder Hoop. This thing is PACKED with play features, including a climbing wall and two slides — one tall and one small.
Two slides and a climbing wall? We’re in! | Source: Bestway
You’ll want to make sure that you have a nice, flat, debris-free area to set up the Bounce Park. It measures more than 10 feet wide on all sides, so allow for some “breathing room” around it.
When the kids are done bouncing, simply deflate the Bounce Park and roll it up for storage. I recommend at least two adults to properly squeeze the air out and roll it up tight.
The H2OGO! Wonder Hoops Bounce Park is the perfect way for little ones to get outside and “get their energy out.” It might be cliche, but I’m just gonna call this one a slam dunk!
The H2OGO! Wonder Hoops Bounce Park is this summer's next craze. Parents will love the quick inflation and set up, as the included blower inflates the park in less than two minutes. Kids will love having a bounce park in their own backyard! Challenge family and friends to a gravity defying game of basketball as…
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and there’s never a better time to get kids in touch with their feelings and the feelings of those around them.
The Emotional Wellness Playbook from Genius of Play encourages parents and educators to help kids dive into an emotional adventure with enlightening, play-based activities. The Toy Association’s nonprofit initiative developed the digital play-based activity book to give kids ages 3 and up the tools to gain an interest in mental wellness. There are 12 activities that hone five core components of emotional intelligence: emotional self-awareness, empathy, motivation, social skills, and self-regulation.
Coloring pages | Source: Genius of Play
Make a Vision Board activity page | Source: The Genius of Play
Kids can label different emotions in Emoji Bingo, practice self-regulation with Calming Bottles, get a deeper understanding of empathy with Puppet Play, and discover self-confidence with the Vision Board. The playbook also includes coloring activities and other games such as Color My Feelings, Emotions Word Mix, and Emoji Color By Number.
The Emotional Wellness Playbook is a free, downloadable resource that is available for parents and educators to print out at thegeniusofplay.org. Kids can carry it and play wherever they go — from the bus, to class, to their playroom!
New parents are constantly told about a lot of gear they “need” to acquire before baby arrives, from heart rate monitors and vibrating bassinets to Keurig-style instant formula makers and wipe warmers. But the reality is, most of these things fall under the category of “nice to have” or “probably won’t even use” more than “must-have.” However there is something every parent really needs to consider: a portable crib/playard — and Gladly has essentially perfected this item for families on the go or those that are just a bit tight on space.
The Merritt Portable Playard Suite feautres a super intuitive storage caddy with mesh pockets and top pockets for all your very many baby needs. | Source: Gladly Family
The Merritt Portable Playard Suite from Gladly Family is something parents can use — and babies can enjoy — from birth into their toddler years. This take-along suite includes a fold-away changing station, detachable changing top, adjustable bassinet, and an extra-large diaper caddy with tons of room to store all of the (very many) things you need within arm’s reach when there’s a new baby in town. The caddy even has pockets on the top and on the side, so you can really fit everything you need in there.
But let’s get down to my three favorite features, in descending order.
The Merritt Portable Playard Suite comes with a super soft and comfortable mattress. It’s just the right thickness and softness that baby will get a great, safe nights’ rest, but it is also sturdy enough for playtime and to cushion the inevitable tumbles. Some other playards require purchasing an additional mattress or a topper, so it’s super nice that this one comes all-in with everything you need.
The easiest portable playard setup of all time, you can get the Merritt Portable Playard Suite set up in literal seconds. | Source: Gladly Family
Next favorite feature: the setup is outrageously easy. New parents understand that the more things you can do with one hand, the better, and setting up this playard is a one-handed task. You simply stand it up and push down on the center and everything completely clicks into place. And packing it back up is just as easy by pulling up on the strap in the middle.
This backpack-style travel bag makes carrying the playard super easy. | Source: Gladly Family
And finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for … the best feature of Merrit’s Portable Playard Suite… the travel bag. Everything stores so neatly and easily into the super durable travel bag, which also has two comfortable shoulder straps so you can wear it like a backpack, which makes the weight so much easier to manage.
The walls are also made of a breathable mesh, so toddlers can enjoy playtime in a safe space and parents can see what’s going on at all times. It’s also got non-skid feet, so you can drag this bad boy right around your house without damaging the floors.
Available in a neutral gray or bubbly pink design, the Merritt Portable Playard Suite has tons of features that will make traveling with baby just a little bit easier. It’s also especially great for smaller spaces thanks to it’s incredibly easy setup and storage capabilities. With impressive highlights including unmatched mattress quality, smart storage pockets, and an amazing backpack-style travel bag, parents are sure to be wowed by all this playard has to offer.
The Merritt Portable Playard Suite from Gladly Family is something parents can use — and babies can enjoy — from birth into their toddler years. This take-along suite includes a fold-away changing station, a detachable changing top, an adjustable bassinet, and an extra-large diaper caddy with tons of room to store all of the (very…
It’s been 25 years since Cranium started challenging kids’ brains as a party game that challenges preteens and teens in trivia, art, language, and performance all in one game! For the anniversary, Hasbro is teaming up with Funko Games to revamp the game and drop three new ones!
Designed for preteens ages 12 and up, the special edition of Cranium features new challenges in all four categories and 800 new questions along with classic elements of the game! The new game board also doubles as a capsule, so players can easily store all of the game pieces inside. Cranium 25th Anniversary Edition is currently available for preorder on Amazon for $34.99.
The Big Brain: Detective Game turns kids into mini Sherlock Holmes! | Source: Funko Games
Kids ages 5 and up have to put on their thinking caps when they play the Cranium Big Brain: Detective Game, a solo or multiplayer game in which things keep going missing. Players have to find items and solve mysteries and puzzles as they make their way across the 880-square-inch game board. The Cranium Big Brain: Detective Game is available for preorder on Amazon for $22.99.
Hullabaloo is powered by an app! | Source: Funko Games
Cranium Hullabaloo is designed for kids ages 3 and up and focuses on listening to directions, cooperation, and teamwork as kids dance, jump, and more. The game is run by the Hullabaloo app and has thousands of hours of play in store for kids. Hullabaloo is available for preorder for $24.99 on Amazon.
Hoopla upgrades and refreshes Cranium for newer audiences! | Source: Funko Games
Older kids and adults can also get in on the gaming action with Hoopla. This game features many elements of original Cranium gameplay, but with a twist: Players only have 15 minutes to complete the game! The game features 900 phrases to guess and 300 new cards, so the game will never get boring. Hoopla is available for preorder on Amazon for $19.99.
These new spins on one of the classic games of the late ‘90s and early 2000s are bound to be fan-favorites for a whole new generation of Cranium players! All four games hit shelves starting on June 2.
The LEGO Group is launching Gabby’s Dollhouse in brick form for the first time and kids can have a cat-tastic summer with four new building sets!
The collection features iconic moments, characters, and scenes from the DreamWorks Animation preschool series, including Gabby, her kitty cat friends, her dollhouse, and more.
The series — currently available to watch on Netflix — encourages a “growth mindset,” modeling flexible thinking, confidence, and celebrating mistakes, and each LEGO set offers kids a unique role-playing opportunity that encourages imaginative play and creative problem-solving. Think: “I haven’t figured that out YET,” or “I failed fantastically!”
The Gabby’s Dollhouse LEGO set features eight colorful rooms. | Source: The LEGO Group
For example, each of the eight rooms in Gabby’s Dollhouse tells a story, where there is a specific skill or challenge for kids to tackle. The 498-piece buildable dollhouse ($79.99) comes with a Gabby mini-doll figure; LEGO minifgures of Pandy Paws, MerCat, and Cakey; and also features a sliding cat-a-vator.
All of the sets are suitable for kids ages 4 and up and are tailored to fit the skills of new builders. With quick-start large pieces, step-by-step specialized instructions, and pre-decorated pieces, preschoolers with little building experience can easily distinguish between pieces to start their LEGO adventures with Gabby and friends.
Gabby and MerCat's Ship and Spa
Kitty Fairy's Garden Party
Bakey with Cakey Fun
Gabby's Dollhouse
The Bakey with Cakey Fun set features a 58-piece kitchen and giant cupcake. For $10.99, kids can decorate the cupcake and mix ingredients with a Gabby mini-doll figure and a Cakey minifigure, while developing creative construction skills.
Gabby and MerCat’s Ship and Spa combines beauty and boating all in one. Kids can take Gabby on a boat ride to the spa, where MerCat is ready to give her a makeover. This 88-piece set costs $19.99 and comes with lots of accessories, such as sunglasses, stars, a life vest, a mirror, a brush, hair products, and an extra wig for the Gabby figure.
Finally, the Kitty Fairy’s Garden Party set ($34.99) is packed with activities. In the treehouse and garden, kids can imagine drinking tea and watering flowers. Plus, there is a slide, a swing, and a merry-go-round for friends. Accessories in this 130-piece set include apples, a watering can, a teapot, cups, and butterflies.
These sets are now available for preorder on lego.com and will be available at select retailers beginning on Aug. 1.
Everyone’s favorite Toy Story characters are bringing the summer fun to a backyard near you!
With hotter weather approaching, parents will be looking for toys that can get kids outside while still keeping them cool. Disney is delivering on this with some charming inflatable toys, perfect for a water day outside. The Toy Story Summer Splash collection features beloved characters from the iconic Toy Story movies and includes inflatables with games and activities built in to entertain kids for a full day of water-themed fun.
Toy Story Inflatable Pool ($54.99) | Source: shopDisney
Forky Inflatable Sprinkler – Toy Story 4 ($29.99) | Source: shopDisney
The Toy Story Inflatable Pool provides kids with everything they need to feel like the space-adventuring Buzz Lightyear. The pool comes with an inflatable arch that has targets hanging from it. Kids can blast the targets (or each other) using the included water cannons! Get the inflatable pool at shopDisney. The Forky Inflatable Sprinkler centers the funny little fork introduced in Toy Story 4. Kids will have a blast as soon as Forky is connected to a garden hose, as water sprinkles out of the character’s head and hands. Get the inflatable at shopDisney.
Toy Story Alien Inflatable Bowling Game Set
($34.99) | Source: shopDisney
Toy Story Inflatable Pool Toss 2 In 1 Game ($34.99) | Source: shopDisney
The Toy Story Summer Splash Collection also includes fun inflatable games! The Toy Story Alien Inflatable Bowling Game Set has six inflatable Space Aliens and a 15-inch diameter Pizza Planet ball that kids can use to knock them down with. Get the bowling set at shopDisney. Kids who can’t resist cowgirl Jessie also have the perfect game to play using the Toy Story Inflatable Pool Toss 2-in-1 Game. This set includes six inflatable bags that kids can fill with water, six plastic rings, and five pocket stoppers with animal characters on them. Kids can play ring toss or try to get the bags in the pockets! Get the inflatable game at shopDisney.
These new water toys are sure to delight any kid that is ready to get outside in the summer sun. The collection is available now at the shopDisney website. Whether kids want to go bowling, play a round of ring toss with Jessie, have some fun with Forky, or just relax in the pool after a round of water-blasting, there’s an inflatable pool toy for them!
Surprise toys are one of the hottest toy genres of the past year, and L.O.L. Surprise! dolls are one of the toys that started it all. The brand’s latest launch from MGA Entertainment introduces kids to a new way to reveal their surprises.
The L.O.L. Surprise! Bubble Surprise Dolls add a splash of science to kids’ toys. To unlock one of 12 characters, kids mix “sugar” and “spice” and then add water to watch the bubbles fizz and change color before revealing the doll and its mystery accessories! Designed for kids ages 4 and up, there are three collections of Bubble Surprise toys: the Lil Sisters line features 12 tots to collect with color-change features; the Surprise Pets line with 12 animal companions to collect; and the Surprise Deluxe line, which features an exclusive doll, a Lil Sister, two outfits, two pairs of shoes, a bottle, and color-changing fizz.
In a few easy steps, kids can unveil a new bubbly toy! | Source: MGA Entertainment
MGA Entertainment has launched tons of new L.O.L Surprise! toys this year, including the L.O.L. Surprise! Loves Mini Bites and Sweets lines, both inspired by candy and other treats; the Sooo Mini! L.O.L. Surprise! Dolls, which feature ball-within-a-ball surprises; and the L.O.L. Surprise! Confetti Pop Birthday, which kids can open just like a birthday present!
The L.O.L. Surprise! Bubble Surprise Dolls hit shelves in June. In the meantime, check out lolsurprise.com to see the latest offerings from MGA Entertainment.
Kids who are still too young to get their learner’s permit often dream of the day they can get behind the wheel and hit the open road. That’s what makes R/C cars so great: They give kids the power to drive all kinds of vehicles — and even do crazy stunts and tricks — without parents having to worry about accidents.
Bezgar makes hobby-grade and toy-grade R/C cars and trucks that are easy to operate for all ages and skill levels. There are R/C cars specially designed to do impressive stunts, trucks that can get down and dirty in puddles and mud, and affordable drones that kids can take to the skies.
Check out some of Bezgar’s coolest R/C cars and drones below!
This 1:16-scale, off-road R/C truck comes with 4WD wheels; a bright LED front light; and a dual throttle speed option. Teens can select the 100% normal speed or use the 70% slow speed designed for beginners, with easy start and steering..The car also has splash-proof electronic speed control with overheating and over-current protection for all-weather…
This stunt car features music and lighting effects, as well as 360-degree rotation on dual-sided racing so kids can drift and flip the R/C car, making it spin like a tornado. The collision-resistant car also has non-slip rubber tires for a strong grip indoors or outdoors.
Kids can conquer any terrain, such as grass, sand, concrete, gravel, and more, with this stunt car that features 360-degree rotation on both sides. They can race to drift and flip the R/C car.
This beginner-friendly drone can take off, land, or return with just the click of a button. It has three speed levels and an LED strip for night flying, and can perform cool stunts like flips and rotations.
